Health Policy

Beyond the NHS: A vision for neighbourhood health

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

At ARMA, our vision for neighbourhood health goes far beyond the NHS. The NHS is, of course, a vital part of our lives and a cornerstone of care but health is not created in hospitals or clinics alone. It is shaped in the places we live, work and connect, in our homes, schools, workplaces, parks, and communities. Neighbourhood health is about recognising that wellbeing depends as much on the social, economic, and environmental conditions around us as it does on clinical services.…

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Better MSK health is the foundation of our future prosperity and wellbeing

by Adrian Bradley, CEO ARMA

The link between health and economic activity has become a central focus of policy. New analysis from the ONS and NHS England, highlighted by the King’s Fund, shows how health and work are closely connected. Poor health reduces employment and productivity, and long NHS waiting lists hold people back from returning to work. Improving musculoskeletal (MSK) health will undoubtedly deliver major economic benefits. Fewer people in pain means fewer absences, more people able to stay in work, and greater productivity.…

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Reflections on opportunities for better MSK health

by Adrian Bradley, CEO ARMA

Throughout my first three months in post, I have been constantly struck by the breadth, diversity, expertise and impact of ARMA’s member organisations. Last week I had the pleasure of being a guest of the British Orthopaedic Association at their Annual Congress in Liverpool. Under the theme of ‘Preventing Harm & Transforming Lives’, I attended inspiring sessions on topics as far ranging as integrating orthopaedic clinical practice with support for patients’ lifestyle modification, reducing unnecessary hospital stays in arthroplasty, calls for a national ACL injury prevention programme and, perhaps most soberingly, our preparedness for war.…

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Versus Arthritis Response to the Men’s Health Strategy

In April, the government announced plans for England’s first Men’s Health Strategy, aimed at addressing the life expectancy gap and health conditions that disproportionately affect men.

To help shape the strategy, the government launched a call for evidence – and Versus Arthritis used this opportunity to highlight the estimated 8.7 million men in England living with arthritis and MSK conditions whose needs must be recognised.

Versus Arthritis highlighted gout throughout their response, as gout is more common in men, with 66,000 people newly diagnosed with gout each year.…

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BASRaT calls for VAT exemption for PSA registrants

Call for VAT exemption for Healthcare Workers on PSA Accredited Registers

The 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

by 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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Disability benefit changes – what they mean

In 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?

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

by 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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The iO publishes innovative new case study

In response to recent NHS strategy agreements encouraging greater involvement from independent sector providers, the Institute of Osteopathy has published a new case study showcasing successful integration in practice.

City Way Health Clinic, an award-winning, osteopath-led musculoskeletal service, demonstrates how independent providers can support NHS objectives by delivering high-quality, evidence-informed osteopathic care and rehabilitation exercise classes to NHS patients. The clinic’s success provides compelling evidence that this collaborative model can reduce waiting lists, expand service capacity, and enhance patient choice.

Read the case study here.

Community of Practice meeting – 5 August 2025

MSK Health Inequalities Community of Practice Meeting

Are you working to reduce inequalities in MSK health? Would you welcome a chance to connect with others tackling the same challenges?

Take a break and join us online for our next lunchtime meet-up.

Tuesday 5 August 2025
12:30pm – 1:30pm

ARMA’s MSK Health Inequalities Community of Practice is a welcoming space for anyone committed to improving MSK health equity. Whether you’re just starting out or already involved in local projects, this monthly session is a great way to:

Hear short presentations on key issues and innovative approaches
Take part in small group discussions to share ideas and experiences
Build supportive connections with others facing similar challenges

Why join?…

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