Versus Arthritis Statement

Tracey Loftis, Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Engagement:

“In his speech to the Labour party conference, Wes Streeting promised to tackle waiting lists in areas with the highest levels of people not in work. For many people with arthritis, they will recognise the frustration of wanting to work, but struggling with the impact of waiting in agony for a major operation on their everyday life.

“There are more than one million cases of people who are on waiting lists for trauma and orthopaedic treatment such as joint replacements across the UK – an all-time high. Waiting in pain has an impact on all parts of a person’s life including their ability to work. So, we need action on waiting lists, but we also need recognition that people with arthritis need to be supported to return and remain in work through employment programmes such as Access to Work.

“Whilst we welcome what appears to be a promising step forward to help our community, we also need to see long term, sustained change and for arthritis to be a key priority in the forthcoming NHS 10 Year Plan.”

ENDS