Versus Arthritis Statement

Tracey Loftis, head of Policy and Public Affairs:

“We are pleased to see the Government has listened to our calls for greater investment in surgical hubs to help tackle the NHS backlog.

“This announcement, alongside greater funding to deliver the two million extra elective appointments a year, will be vital for the millions of people currently living with arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions, many of whom are stuck waiting for treatment or diagnosis.

“This year we saw the waiting list for trauma and orthopaedic treatment, including joint replacement surgery, reach a staggering one million for the UK – an all-time high. This announcement can’t come soon enough to those people who have been forced to put their lives on hold, waiting for months or even years in pain for life-changing treatment.

“However, we now remain focused on ensuring arthritis and MSK conditions are included in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan to deliver the fundamental long-term change that’s urgently needed.”