Versus Arthritis Statement

Deborah Alsina MBE, chief executive of Versus Arthritis said:

"With 10 million people living with arthritis in the UK today, many of whom are being let down by a system ill-equipped to meet their often complex needs, there’s a desperate need for an ambitious and clear plan to change the NHS.

"That’s why we welcome the publication of the UK Government’s 10 Year Health Plan. It’s especially encouraging to see a desire to move from short-term fixes to a sustainable people-centred system and a renewed focus on neighbourhood health.

"For people with arthritis and other long-term Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, let us be clear: the stakes are high. MSK conditions are a leading cause of disability in the UK and represent a major public health issue, yet they have been unacceptably low on the Government’s agenda for too long, with some of the longest waiting times facing our community.

"And for many people with arthritis, especially those living with comorbidities, good health outcomes are rooted in tackling wider determinants of health that exist outside of hospital. The UK Government are rightly focussing on Neighbourhood Health Services which have the potential to unlock access to essential, personalised care at home and in the community – it couldn’t be more important for this vision to become a reality.

"Transformation is urgently needed. That’s why the 10 Year Plan should be backed up by a dedicated National MSK Framework so that the needs of people with arthritis and MSK conditions are prioritised and not left behind in the Government’s efforts to transform the NHS.

"The 10 Year Health Plan is much needed and welcome but to truly deliver, it must be backed by sustained clear action and funding, and inclusive design with the needs of people with long-term conditions such as arthritis at its heart. Crucially, this needs to be accompanied by an unwavering commitment to tackling health inequalities and the root causes of poor health."