Landmark parliamentary debate highlights the NASS campaign for faster diagnosis time for thousands of people with axial (SpA)
On 17 September, a parliamentary debate on axial SpA (AS) was a landmark moment in the campaign to reduce diagnosis times and improve the care for thousands of people living with axial SpA (AS).
The debate was led by Tom Randall MP, who lives with axial SpA (AS) and shared with the House his personal experience of a delay to diagnosis, including being passed from one health care professional to another, before finally receiving the correct diagnosis.
During the debate, Tom Randall MP asked for three commitments from Minister for Care, Helen Whatley, to help reduce the delay to diagnosis from 8.5 years to just one. In response, the Minister agreed to meet with Tom Randall and NASS.
Commenting on the debate, Dr Dale Webb, CEO of NASS said:
“We will now be working with Tom Randall MP and other members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Axial Spondyloarthritis to keep up political pressure to reduce delays in diagnosis and improve care for people living with axial SpA (AS).
“We would particularly welcome the opportunity to meet with Minister for Care, Helen Whatley, to discuss the governments ongoing commitment to supporting a better deal for thousands of people living with chronic pain.”
Anyone who missed the debate can watch it via www.parliamentlive.tv (select 17.01 from the index in the sidebar).