Arthritis & Me – Self Management Event

online patient eventWednesday 6th March 2024

Arthritis Action is running its first self-management event specifically targeted at the needs and lives of people aged 18-40. The online event will address topics such as: pain management, healthy eating & weight management, staying active, hobbies and social life, emotional wellbeing and pacing and distraction techniques.

Tickets are free and anyone interested in attending can contact events@arthritisaction.org.uk, or send a message via WhatsApp: 07702 813737, or book direct from Eventbrite.

New Hips & Knees: Britian’s Longest Queue?

With numbers on the NHS waiting list at a record high of 7.75 million and rising, on the 30th of November 2023, ITV’s flagship current affairs programme ‘ITV Tonight’ focused on the huge waiting lists for joint replacement surgery: Tonight – Series 25 – Episode 35 – ITVX

With input from Versus Arthritis, Dr Zoe Williams investigates the health impacts on the estimated one million-plus people currently waiting, in some cases for years, for trauma and orthopaedic treatment. The programme looked behind those figures and into the lives of those waiting in pain for transformative orthopaedic treatment, explored whether surgery is the only option for patients in severe pain, and discussed how people can wait as well as possible whilst awaiting treatment.…

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Chronic pain: What matters to you?

This research aims to better understand what it means to live with and manage chronic pain, from everyone’s perspective. You now have the opportunity to say what matters to you by participating in this survey.

By answering the questionnaire, you can help overcome some of the current uncertainties and challenges of chronic pain management. Your knowledge will enable the researchers to collaborate closely with patients and patient organizations to develop better care that are meaningful for people living with chronic pain and their families.…

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Psoriasis care information webinar

Register for FREE webinar – ‘Achieving the best in psoriasis care.’

The Psoriasis Association and St John’s DermAcademy are delighted to collaborate for a fourth year running to bring you ‘Achieving the best in psoriasis care’, a free webinar of informative talks from experts at the forefront of psoriasis research and practice.

If you are living with psoriasis yourself, or you have a friend or family member who is, then this event may be of particular interest to you.

The webinar will take place via Zoom on Thursday 26th October 2023 at 6pm.…

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COVID Shielding Voices report

In October 2023 the COVID Shielding Voices report was published. Funded by Versus Arthritis and conducted by the Centre for Epidemiology at the University of Manchester, it is a research study about people with autoimmune inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, who shielded during the pandemic. The report has been shared with both the UK and Scottish COVID-19 inquiries.

The COVID Shielding Voices report captures the depth of people’s experiences of shielding during the pandemic and its long-lasting impact on them, their families, their mental health, and their working lives.…

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Patient Partnership Week 2023

Following the success of last year’s first ever Patient Partnership Week, the event is returning again this year to celebrate all the best in patient partnership.

Starting on Monday 25th September 2023, join the Patients Association for a series of enlightening webinars featuring healthcare experts and patient advocates. Don’t miss discussions on tackling health inequalities, enhancing outpatient experiences, social prescribing benefits, and more. Secure your spot now!

Last year’s Patient Partnership Week events were hugely popular and well-received – see the great feedback from those who attended:  

“Brilliant to see the central role given to patient experts by experience.” 

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NHSE & RCP Outpatients Strategy Survey

patient surveyThe Patients Association is working with NHS England and the Royal College of Physicians in a collaborative effort to improve outpatient services. They are keen to hear from people who have recently experienced NHS outpatient services. They have launched a survey to gather the experiences of recent users of outpatients, which you can find by clicking on this link.

If you or someone you know will find it difficult to answer this survey online, please call the Patients Association Helpline on 0800 345 7115 who will run through the questions with you over the phone.…

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NRAS Community tips and stories

NRAS gardeningHave you seen the NRAS Blog? The posts include hints and tips on how to manage RA and personal stories from the RA community; there is a wide variety to take a look at.

The most recent blog post is on gardening – it is a great hobby that allows you to connect with nature, create beautiful landscapes, keeps you physically active. However, for those living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), inflammation and joint pain can make gardening a challenging task. Fortunately, with the right approach and some helpful tips, it is possible to enjoy gardening while managing your symptoms effectively.…

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