Musculoskeletal Services Framework

For a long time, Arthritis Care has campaigned for better quality of healthcare for people with arthritis.

The Musculoskeletal Services Framework (MSF), which was officially launched on 31 October 2006, sets out new guidance to provide high quality and integrated services for people with musculoskeletal conditions in England. The framework has been developed in consultation with with patients themselves, and with organisations such as Arthritis Care, representing people with musculoskeletal conditions.

Once implemented, the framework will aim to improve assessment, diagnosis and treatment for people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions in England. It will encourage more support for people to manage their own conditions and have access to better information and advice. It will also provide a clearer focus on the needs of children and their families, and sets an 18 -week target for referrals from GPs to the start of hospital treatment.

Arthritis Care will be closely monitoring the MSF and providing support in order to ensure effective implementation.

What is Arthritis Care asking decision makers?

• We are asking decision makers, locally and nationally, to prioritise and promote the Musculoskeletal Services Framework and services to people with arthritis.
• We are asking the Department of Health to attach clear goals and targets to the framework, including, but not limited to, the 18-week target.
• We are asking people with arthritis to participate in the planning and evaluation of local musculoskeletal services.
• We are asking all providers outlined in the framework to make available good quality information and signposting to support patient choice.
• We are asking the Scottish Executive and the Northern Ireland Department of Health to introduce strategic frameworks to ensure that all people with arthritis in the UK have access to improved services.