Versus Arthritis Statement

Deborah Alsina, CEO of Versus Arthritis:

“As this damning report confirms, the health of people is being compromised by widespread failures in NHS provision.

“This comes as no surprise to over 17.1 million people living with musculoskeletal conditions across England today. Our community knows only too well the struggle to get a diagnosis, the battle to access treatment and the absolute agony of waiting in pain and uncertainty. This is shortsighted and fails to recognise the bigger picture. By the age of 65, one in two people with a musculoskeletal condition will have a heart, lung or mental health problem. It is the second most recorded reason for being off, or out of, work. It’s clear that these conditions have a massive impact on people’s health – and often their ability to work.

“NHS waiting time figures for England for orthopaedic care reaffirm Lord Darzi’s assessment of the critical condition of the NHS. The wait for treatments such as joint replacements are among the longest in the NHS, hitting record levels. These operations are transformative, enabling people to get back to work and preventing a spiral of declining physical and mental health.

“We hope the Government pore over the details and recognise the need for arthritis to be taken seriously in the forthcoming NHS Long Term Plan, such is the far reaching impact on the health and wealth of the nation.”

ENDS