Health Policy

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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GIRFT webinar: Delivering cMSK Community Appointment Days

If you were not able to join the GIRFT webinar on 10^th July 2025, you can now catch up by watching the recording online.

The session explores the progress of the GIRFT MSK community programme and focuses on the delivery of Community Appointment Days (CADs), a model of care designed to support people in managing their health through collaborative conversations rather than traditional consultations.

You’ll also hear from speakers sharing their real-world experiences of delivering CADs, along with valuable insights and lessons learned.…

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10 Year Plan Response

ARMA welcomes the 10 Year Health Plan and calls for a national MSK strategy to unlock its full potential

The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) welcomes the publication of the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England and its clear commitment to tackling widening health inequalities and focusing on healthy life expectancy. We are pleased to see many of the themes and recommendations from ARMA’s Act Now report reflected in the Plan, including a commitment to listening to the voice of patients and directing investment towards communities with entrenched health disparities.…

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BASRaT petition to expand private health insurance

BASRaT has launched a petition to expand private health insurance coverage for Sport Rehabilitation treatment. If you believe everyone deserves the choice of care they receive to live a healthy, active life, please take a moment to sign.

BASRaT-registered Sports Rehabilitators play a crucial role in helping people recover from injury, improve performance and return to the activities they love. Despite their expertise and professional regulation, many private medical insurance providers still do not recognise or reimburse treatment delivered by Sport Rehabilitators.…

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GIRFT webinar: Delivering cMSK Community Appointment Days

GIRFT invites you to join us for a webinar on 10^th July 2025, 12:30pm – 1:30pm to hear about the progress of the GIRFT MSK community programme and to discuss the delivery of Community Appointment Days (CADs).

The Community Appointment Days (CADs) initiative aims to introduce a new model of care supporting people to better manage their own health and determine appropriate next steps for treatment, placing greater emphasis on having conversations rather than traditional consultations.

We are delighted to be joined by Jean King, deputy director – health division, Joint Work and Health Directorate, who will reflect on her visit to a CAD in Cornwall.…

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