The process of developing the green paper promised by Government has just begun with a consultation meeting involving a range of health charities, including ARMA. It seems clear that MSK conditions will be included, but ARMA, with our members, will work with the Department to help shape what that looks like in the final Green Paper.
The Green Paper was promised when the government published Prevention is Better than Cure last November. The goal remains to improve healthy life expectancy by at least 5 extra years, by 2035, and to close the gap between the richest and poorest.
The paper will include primary and secondary prevention, so will include policies aimed at people who already have conditions as well as preventing conditions. There are no specific policy proposals yet – that’s what will be developed in the next few months. The Green Paper will then be a chance for everyone to comment on the proposals before decisions are made about how to take the prevention agenda forwards.
Prevention is an important issue for ARMA members, and last year we developed a policy position paper setting out our recommendations. At every age people should be supported to maintain and improve the health of their joints, bones and muscles. We’ll be using the points in this paper as the basis for our discussions with government about the Green Paper. We’ll also let you know, through this newsletter, when there is a wider consultation so that you can get involved.