Aids and Adaptations for Arthritis Sufferers

Thank you for contacting me about arthritis. I understand this can be a very painful and debilitating condition.
 
To help clinicians to identify the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and make prompt referrals to specialists, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published guidelines in 2009. These emphasise the need for early diagnosis, with urgent referral to a specialist rheumatologist on suspicion of RA. The commissioning of arthritis services, including the establishment of arthritis clinics, is the responsibility of local areas.
 
The national clinical audit of rheumatoid and early inflammatory arthritis published its latest report in July 2016 and assesses the quality of care by specialist rheumatology services. The report showed significant improvements in patient experience and the time taken to receive treatment, although there are areas where further improvement needs to be made. The report makes a range of recommendations, including improving the training and awareness and among GPs, and it encourages all participating organisations to reflect on their own performance and consider what more could be done. 
 
Clinical guidelines for arthritis highlight the importance of self-management, and lifestyle advice to help patients manage their condition, and live as independently as possible. I also know that the Department for Work and Pensions ensures that people with arthritis applying for Personal Independence Payments are able to specify whether they need specific aids to help them with daily, physical tasks.
 
The Work and Health Unit has been established to lead the drive for improving work and health outcomes for people with health conditions, like arthritis. The Unit will seek to do this by improving integration across healthcare and employment services as well as supporting employers to recruit and retain more people with long term health conditions.
 
Despite tight public finances, the Government has actively supported the NHS' own plan for the future, and is continuing to invest in the health service, both today and in the long run.
 
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.