Rob’s evidence in Parliament ensures your voice is heard

You’ve been telling us how the cancellation of joint replacement surgery has impacted your lives.

We’ve been sharing your insight with the NHS and health organisations across the UK to ensure that the voices of people with arthritis are front and centre as they develop guidance about how hospitals can restart surgery safely.

We’re proud that to let you know that last week Rob, one of our campaigners, gave evidence to a group of MPs in Parliament known as the ‘Health and Social Care Select Committee’. He spoke about the impact that waiting for a knee replacement has had on his life.

“My life feels on hold and it’s extremely frustrating.”

Rob has been waiting for a joint replacement since October and shared his story as part of our work to fix joint replacement waiting times.

We were so excited when he finally got a date for his operation in April. But, when COVID-19 hit, his operation was cancelled. As he said during his evidence.

“I've now been told there is zero chance of my operation occurring this year.”

This was very disappointing to hear. Many people with arthritis have found themselves in a similar position. With elective surgeries cancelled due to the pandemic, waiting lists that were already too long are now even longer.

People with arthritis have been left to wait - in pain, without support, and not knowing when they will be able to access this life changing surgery.

We’re committed to making sure the voices of people living with arthritis are heard

Our written response to the Health and Social Care Committee (PDF, 230 KB) was informed by everything that you have told us about your experiences during the pandemic, and focused on how delays to hip and knee replacement surgery are impacting on people with arthritis and issues that need to be considered as surgery is re-started.

Rob’s evidence was another huge step in making sure that the voices of people with arthritis are heard as part of the NHS’ recovery process.

Not only did MPs hear what he had to say, but his story was picked up by the media, including the BBC, ITV, and 170 local news outlets across the country.

We’re determined to continue ensuring that your voices are not forgotten, but we need to be as loud as we possibly can.

Get involved

Please add your voice by joining the Campaigns Network, and share with your friends and family. 

We’re here whenever you need us.

• If you would like to talk to someone, you can call our free helpline on 0800 5200 520 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
• Chat to our Arthritis Virtual Assistant, using the blue icon in the bottom right corner of this page.
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