MSK & Arthritis News

Your Life with Arthritis Survey

Arthritis Care has launched a new survey, “Your life with Arthritis”, which is available online at: http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/yourlifesurvey

Please circulate the survey to anyone with arthritis who may be interested in taking part. The evidence we gather will help us to understand what matters most to people with arthritis and campaign for better care and support. For more information about the survey or to request a paper copy, please email campaigns@arthritiscare.org.uk

 

BBC Radio 4 appeal

Broadcaster and Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley made the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Arthritis Care last month, speaking about how arthritis has affected her life and family.

Portsmouth ARMA Network Winter Update

As the nights start to draw in it feels like winter is on its way. Last year we experienced one of our busiest ever winter periods and, whilst our staff coped admirably, our services were under huge pressure. This year we would like to help our local community be ‘winter ready’ and to stay as well as possible.

To read on, open and download the Portsmouth and District ARMA Local Network Update – Winter 2016 as Word doc.

 

PortsHosp Funky Gloves Day – Department of Rheumatology

The Department of Rheumatology at Portsmouth Hospitals Trust are looking for nimble-fingered knitters to get out the needles and wool and craft us some Funky Gloves. If knitting’s your passion, you could help to create some little amazing funky gloves for our Glove Sale on Wednesday 1st February 2017.

The event will be part of our “Wear your gloves” campaign to raise awareness of Raynauds.

Donations of knitted gloves can be dropped off in the Department of Rheumatology at Queen Alexandra Hospital any time up to the day of the 1st February 2017.…

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ARMA welcomes Sue Brown as new CEO

The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) is very pleased to announce the appointment of Sue Brown as the new CEO of ARMA with effect from the 13th February 2017. Following advertising, there was a very strong field of 15 candidates and Sue Brown was the unanimous choice of the interview panel.

Sue has a very strong background in leadership roles in the charity sector and in working successfully with voluntary sector alliances. She has been the Vice Chair of the large Care and Support Alliance and has worked for many years as Head of Public Policy for Sense (the deaf/blind charity) and previously for Mind.…

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NRAS becomes co-chair of the Prescription Charges Coalition

In 1968, the Beatles topped the charts with Hey Jude. That’s the same year the medical exemption list for Prescription Charges was written up. Treatments for RA, JIA and other long-term conditions have come on a lot in that time but other than the addition of Cancer in 2009 the list hasn’t changed.

Many of you know that campaigning for all long-term conditions to be added to the exemption list is one of NRAS’s campaign priorities for the year. We’re pleased to have stepped up to join Parkinson’s UK and Crohn’s & Colitis as co-chairs of the Prescription Charges Coalition.…

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Help shape the future of our society

The British Society for Rheumatology has a number of high profile and exciting positions available for members to apply.

Current vacancies:

  • BSR and BHPR President elect
  • Regional and Devolved Nation Chairs
  • BSR Standing Committee
  • BRiTs Advisory group
  • BHPR Council

Vacancies close: 28 March 2017

For more information speak to your regional chair or visit the BSR website.

BSR Rheumatology Researcher Mentoring Scheme

Have you signed up for the 2017 Rheumatology Researcher Mentoring Scheme?

The scheme provides support to individuals looking to move into an academic career or who would like to gain first hand research experience.…

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New Self-Management Event in Southampton

SME Southampton

Arthritis Action will be holding a new, two-day Self-Management Event on 14th and 15th February 2017, in Southampton.

We aim to help our attendees take control of the symptoms of their arthritis, covering topics such as:

  • The impact of physical therapies
  • How you can best manage your pain
  • The benefits of exercise and a healthy diet
  • Ways to work in partnership with healthcare professionals

This open event will be free of charge and refreshments will be provided.…

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Sugar Levy Funding Allocation – Sport in Schools

Comment by the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK

The Obesity Health Alliance, of which the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK (FSEM) is a member, has sent a briefing to MPs involved in the Westminster Hall debate on funding allocation of the soft drinks industry levy, highlighting its key messages.

The FSEM, which represents doctors and consultants skilled in Exercise Medicine, Musculoskeletal Medicine and Team Care, welcomes proposed government measures to invest revenue from the soft drinks industry levy in programmes to provide an increase in sport and physical activity for school aged children.…

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New Friends Scheme for UK Gout Society

Logo-for-UK-Gout-SocietyThe UK Gout Society has launched a new Friends’ scheme through which it aims to provide information and support to more people living with gout in the UK.

For an annual fee of £18, Friends of the Charity will receive a subscription to our quarterly Gout e-News alert and selected discounts on books etc.

To find out how to become a Friend of the Charity, follow the link : http://www.ukgoutsociety.org/support_us…

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Lack of NHS Resources in Wales Could Be Causing Delays to Arthritis Diagnosis and Treatment

Joint release from: British Society for Rheumatology and National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society

Rheumatology and arthritis societies raise concerns for arthritis services in Wales and call for more support to improve long-term patient outcomes.

The number of patients referred to rheumatology departments in Wales has increased by 66% since 2012, but resources for treatment are not keeping up with the demand, say patients and clinicians. As a consequence, new patients are waiting longer to be seen and treated and existing patients are struggling to secure follow up appointments and self-management advice.  …

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