MSK & Arthritis News

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COVID-19 vaccination and MSK

ARMA BSR BOA RAIRDA

Principles for COVID-19 Vaccination in Musculoskeletal and Rheumatology for Clinicians

(Version 12, 12 September 2022)

Amendment 12th September 2022: Document updated to include latest JCVI and NHSE guidance regarding autumn boosters using second generation bivalent COVID-19 vaccines and results of VROOM study (see section 23 and section 24 respectively)

Amendment 3rd April 2022: Document updated to include latest JCVI and NHSE guidance regarding spring 2022 boosters (see section 22)

Amendment 3rd December 2021: Document updated to include latest JCVI guidance regarding boosters for patients who were eligible for a third primary dose (see end of section 21)

Amendment 13 October 2021: Document updated to include revised BSR wording about third primary dose (section 20).…

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Featured

COVID-19 / Coronavirus info

Last updated 8/11/22

This page lists the most relevant information we can find on COVID-19 relevant to people with MSK conditions. We update this page as new information becomes available. It includes information for professionals, patients, parents and guidance for Wales and Scotland.

Six key resources for MSK.

Key resources

Latest advice for England.

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Good communication with patients whose planned care has been disrupted by COVID-19.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/publication/good-communication-with-patients/

Guidance on those eligible for free lateral flow testing in England after 1 April

Government announcement 

Covid-19 community based treatments

Access community-based treatments for coronavirus (COVID-19) updated 6 September 2022

How to access treatments and prescription charges

COVID-19 Therapeutics Clinical Review Panel will determine which at-risk patient cohorts could be eligible for COVID-19 therapies.…

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NRAS Local Groups

NRAS local groups are a wonderful place to share knowledge, enjoy engaging events and find friendship with others who know what living with rheumatoid arthritis is like. By joining an NRAS local group, people can find support, enjoy activities and learn from expert speakers.

For more information on upcoming local events, visit the event page on nras.org.uk.

For more information on NRAS Local Groups and NRAS JoinTogether online groups, please visit the NRAS Connect with others page.

Apni Jung leaflets now available in Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi

As part of a commitment to increasing their support of South Asian communities across the UK impacted by Rheumatoid Arthritis, NRAS is pleased to announce the launch of three new patient-facing leaflets in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi. 

These are now available as downloads or in hard copy for individuals and in quantity for rheumatology teams serving people from South Asian heritage, adding to the collective resources on the Apni Jung area of the NRAS website specifically for South Asian communities.

Also, a reminder that it is possible to translate the NRAS website into 16 different languages, which include Bengali and Gujarati (in addition to the above three South Asian languages) for South Asian people affected by RA. …

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New resource – updated psoriatic arthritis leaflet

The Psoriasis Association has had a busy year updating their leaflet series, with the re-imagined Psoriatic Arthritis Leaflet being the final installment. The new, vibrant leaflet features authentic images of people living with psoriatic arthritis. The leaflet discusses advice on when to see a rheumatologist as well as first-line and second-line treatments.

The resource is ideal to take along to any medical appointments to discuss treatment options and whether you may require a referral to a specialist.
The leaflet is now available to view and download on The Psoriasis Association website here.

Right Treatment: Right Time Annual Conference

PSA conferenceThe Psoriasis Association is pleased to announce their annual conference and AGM will taking place on Saturday 28th June 2025.

The “Right Treatment: Right Time” conference will be held at the County Hall in London, Belvedere Road (SE1 7PB). You can find out more details about the venue here.

The annual conference aims to bring you the latest updates and developments in the world of psoriasis research and care. You can expect to hear from the likes of Prof Darren Ashcroft, Dr Andrew Pink, Prof Catherine Smith and many others.

APPG on Osteoporosis – Access to Medicines Inquiry

ROS and APPG on Osteoporosis and Bone Health Inquiry Report on Access to Medicines

An upcoming report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Osteoporosis and Bone Health highlights the “critical need for system-wide reform” to address barriers to osteoporosis medication in the NHS, leaving millions of people at risk of life-threatening fractures.

Fractures caused by osteoporosis are preventable. A timely diagnosis and a treatment plan can prevent fractures. But there is an enormous treatment gap with two-thirds of people who need anti-osteoporosis medications missing out on them – around 90,000 people every year.…

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A question of balance

ARMA CEOby Sue Brown, CEO ARMA

Last month I joined about 200 others at a government consultation event for the Ten Year Health Plan. Patient organisations, voluntary sector and professional bodies came together to get updates from the consultation process so far and discuss questions arising from the vision groups’ work.

Around our tables we were asked to consider one of three questions about how the NHS can make the shift to working more in partnership – with patients, communities and the voluntary sector.…

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Free NASS online help for those recently diagnosed

Bespoke self-management and peer support for people in England recently diagnosed with axial SpA

NASS is running free online sessions for people in England recently diagnosed with axial SpA.

As part of the sign-up process, attendees select bespoke support from NASS, such as a chat with someone on the Helpline, resources sent in the post, and information about exercising safely. 

For more information, visit the NASS website.

If you’d like free postcards to invite your patients, you can order guides to living with axial spa.…

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Finance & Operations Coordinator vacancy

Arthritis ActionArthritis Action are recruiting for a Finance & Operations Coordinator in a full-time hybrid role.

This is a varied role supporting Arthritis Action’s finance, operations and administrative processes. You will ensure the smooth running of the Charity’s finance and operations to meet its evolving needs and ensure efficiencies.

Applications close 20th February 2025.

Learn more and apply today.