Louise Warburton, Co-President of the PCRMM, and Sam Bhide participated in a significant All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) round table last week (28 November 2024). The discussion, hosted in collaboration with the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) and chaired by Simon Whalley on Behalf of the NASS, focused on critical aspects of the NHS Ten-Year Plan, which is a refresh strategy for the NHS introduced by the new government.
Held at the invitation of Andy Slaughter MP, the round table also included Dr Lesley Kay, National Clinical Director for Musculoskeletal (MSK) Disorders, Dr Dale Webb, CEO of NASS, Arthur Reynolds from the Department of Health, and Mark Ferguson, MP for Gateshead Central and Whickham.
The discussion addressed the lengthy delays in diagnosing axial spondyloarthritis, currently averaging eight and a half years, and considered how the NHS strategy could better support timely diagnosis and treatment for this debilitating condition.
The PCRMM remains committed to advocating for advancements in MSK care and ensuring the voices of healthcare professionals and patients are heard at the highest levels.
