What people with arthritis can expect from Government’s proposals for better preventive healthcare
The Government has published insight on how we can live longer, healthier lives through prevention. Charity Versus Arthritis sees positive prospects for people with arthritis in this most recent report. We take a look at the latest on the agenda to help people look after their musculoskeletal health.
Last week, the Cabinet Office and Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) published ‘Advancing our health: prevention in the 2020s’. This official report or ‘green paper’ is part of the Government’s mission to ensure that within the next fifteen or so years, people across the country can enjoy at least five extra healthy, independent years of life. There is also a real desire to narrow the gap between the richest and poorest amongst us.
So, what does this mean for people with arthritis?
Recognition of the impact of arthritis
The green paper highlights that since the late 1980’s, musculoskeletal conditions have been a major healthcare issue in England. Musculoskeletal conditions and arthritis can cause problems with joints, bones and muscles. Many people find these conditions to be a source of persistent pain. These are the most common cause of people losing years of quality of life to disability.
Despite arthritis alone affecting millions of individuals in England, too often arthritis is simply dismissed or overlooked. The Government recognising its impact in all areas of individual lives is welcome. Acknowledging there is an issue is the first step in taking action to do more for people with arthritis.
Feeling better at home or at work
Each person is unique; there is no way to say one solution fits all people with arthritis. Organisations like ours, advocate for people no matter their circumstances. Depending on someone’s time of life they may want to stay in work – or begin working. That’s where schemes like Access to Work are so important. If arthritis has been diagnosed in someone who is in mid-life or later life, they may need support in change of lifestyle or home environment. Here, we would look for more adaptable and accessible homes as well as public transport designed for everyone’s needs.
From now until October 2019
The Government’s consultation runs until mid-October this year. Versus Arthritis will continue to campaign and be a voice for people with the condition. These consultations are important for raising awareness and there is always more that can be done for those of us who have been diagnosed or will be diagnosed in the future.
