Category: Patients

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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Free Ask the OT patient webinar

HMSA logoThe Hypermobility Syndromes Association supports everyone with hypermobility. On Thursday, 18th May at 7pm they have an extra special ‘Ask the OT’ session for patients with hypermobility.

The regular slot will have not only Occupational Therapist Jo Southall, but also the HMSA’s Lead Medical Advisor and Consultant Rheumatologist, Dr Phillip Bull.  This ‘Ask the Experts’ session will be open, free to members and non-members. The Association hopes you can join in. Bring your questions – or send them in advance.…

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The Future of Pain Management – trailer

Pain Concern would like to announce their new Airing Pain podcast episode 136, The Future of Pain Management.

This edition will be released on 26 April 2023 and platforms four internationally recognised clinicians talking at the British Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting 2022.

The episode features Dr Stephen Ward, Dr Simon Thomson, Dr Owen Williamson and Dr Timothy Deer and discusses their specialist areas of: new scientific evidence for fibromyalgia; neuropathic pain in the form of phantom limb and post-surgery back pain; and cutting-edge developments in neuromodulation techniques, specifically non-invasive Virtual Reality and Gaming for treating neurological distortions.…

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Your SpAce is launched

Your Space imageThe National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) has launched Your SpAce, which has been created in partnership with people living with axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA) and healthcare professionals.

Your SpAce allows people living with axial SpA to engage with their condition, learn more about axial SpA, and build skills to manage the impact it has on their life.

The programme is free to access on the NASS website and YouTube channel. It includes co-produced, short informative videos on topics such as pain, fatigue and flares.…

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NRAS Live: The importance of exercise

The importance of exercise when living with inflammatory arthritis

Live discussion with expert panel on the importance of exercise when living with inflammatory arthritis.
Facebook Live event

Wednesday, 29 March 2023, 7pm

Exercise doesn’t need to be all lycra and gym equipment! There are so many ways to keep those joints, tendons, muscles moving, so join NRAS live on Wednesday, 29 March at 7pm to hear more about yoga, resistance training, team sports and more, as well as how to overcome some of those hurdles (not literal ones!)…

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