MSK & Arthritis News

BASRaT calls for VAT exemption for PSA registrants

Call for VAT exemption for Healthcare Workers on PSA Accredited Registers

BASRat logoThe Accredited Registers Collaborative is urging the Government to address a long-standing legislative gap that excludes health and care practitioners on Professional Standards Authority (PSA) Accredited Registers from VAT exemption, despite their vital contributions to public health.

Under current legislation only professionals on statutory registers are eligible for VAT-exempt status. However, over 120,000 health and care professionals now work under PSA accredited voluntary registers providing essential services across the NHS and private sectors but remain subject to VAT, placing them and the public at a financial disadvantage.…

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A turning point for MSK health

– but only if we choose to take it

ARMA CEOby Adrian Bradley, CEO, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA)

I hope you are enjoying the summer.

This month we are pleased to have a guest blog from Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Versus Arthritis.

In her blog, Deborah rightly identifies the huge opportunity presented by the 10 Year Health Plan for England and the serious risk that MSK conditions continue to be sidelined.

As the alliance representing about forty diverse patient organisations and professional bodies across the MSK community, ARMA welcomes the Plan’s ambition but we are under no illusions.…

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Please join us at the BOA Gala Dinner 2025

arms wide The BOA Gala Dinner 2025 is set to sparkle! Please join the British Orthopaedic Association at the Municipal Hotel, Liverpool for an unforgettable night of elegance, inspiration and celebration.

John BarnesWednesday 17th September 2025.
Drinks from 7:30 PM / Dinner at 8:15 PM.
Dress Code: Black Tie

This year the gala features football legend John Barnes MBE in an exclusive fireside chat with award-winning LFCTV presenter Steve Hothersall. Highlight of the night: A one-of-a-kind charity auction item from John’s playing era—supporting Joint Action, the BOA’s orthopaedic research appeal.…

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Evaluating the impact of a new digital intervention

in the poolGood Boost Digital exercise programme boosts outcomes for MSK patients 

A large-scale evaluation of a community-based digital exercise programme for people with MSK conditions has demonstrated significant improvements in physical function, mental wellbeing, and healthcare cost-efficiency.

prep tablePublished in the Musculoskeletal Care journal, the study tracked more than 4,400 participants across the UK who engaged with Good Boost, a digital exercise programme delivered both at home and in community leisure centres via tablet computers. The intervention includes bespoke water- and land-based exercise sessions that adapt to each participant’s condition, goals, and feedback.…

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Disability benefit changes – what they mean

disability benefitIn June, Versus Arthritis launched their Cut to the Bone campaign, calling on the UK Government to rethink its proposed cuts to disability benefits. In response, almost 40,000 people emailed their MPs, calling on them to vote against these cuts.

The campaign really made a difference. People with arthritis came together to call for change, so Versus Arthritis is pleased that the UK Government listened to our community and announced their U-turn on PIP.

However, despite the changes, we want to ensure that the UK Government doesn’t simply delay proposed cuts to PIP or make changes to eligibility criteria in the future.…

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Guest blog: How can the 10 Year Health Plan deliver?

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How can the 10 Year Health Plan deliver for people with musculoskeletal conditions?

Deborah Alsinaby Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Versus Arthritis

Like many others, Versus Arthritis has closely engaged with the development of the 10 Year Health Plan and has spent some time analysing it since its publication. In this blog, we take a closer look at the Plan and what needs to happen to make it work for the 17 million people living with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in England.…

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FSEM Diplomas and Specialty Exam

SEM Specialty Exam

The Sport and Exercise Medicine Specialty Exam (Part 1) represents the highest standards of assessment in the field. Recognised for its rigour, credibility, and professional stature, this examination is a key milestone for clinicians aspiring for excellence in Sport and Exercise Medicine.

Find out more and apply today

FSEM Diploma Exams 2026

The Faculty runs diploma examinations within Sport and Exercise Medicine, ensuring those working within the industry can evidence their competency in their profession. The three strands of Sport and Exercise Medicine have seen high levels of interest across a number of professions.…

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RA Awareness Week 2025 is next month!

NRAS AwarenessMark your diaries for RA Awareness Week 2025, which is taking place September 15th – 19th 2025, with the theme centred around teaching people about the symptoms of RA.

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) has put together a symptom checker which will go live next month to help raise the awareness of this invisible condition and get more people diagnosed if they are unknowingly showing symptoms. More details to follow, so keep your eyes peeled!

ORUK event – Collision sports injury conference

collision injuryCollision sports injury conference
10 October 2025
The Berkeley Hotel, London

A one-day ORUK event focused on managing complex injuries in high-energy collision sports. Topics include ACL injuries, shoulder dislocations, Achilles ruptures, spinal trauma, and concussion. Join national and international experts for case-based discussions and the latest in return-to-play strategies.

Further information from the website.