Access to healthcare

For people who live with arthritis, healthcare services are an important factor in their every day lives.

Fast access to specialists and effective treatments/therapies can have a dramatic impact on a person’s quality of life and on the level of success they have in managing their condition.

For people with arthritis in hospital, personalised care, which is aimed at meeting unique individual needs, can improve recovery and well being.

What’s the current situation?

Lack of specialists and specialist facilities, together with long waiting times and poor access to specialist drugs mean that people with arthritis are not receiving the level of care they should. This in turn is impacting upon their quality of life.

However, there has never been a better time to shape your health service.

• The Government has made it a requirement that hospitals and primary care trusts listen to the people who use their services.
• Special forums called ‘Patient and Public Involvement Forums’ are running in every area. They are there so that you can have your say, make suggestions and help shape your health service.

Why should I care?

People with arthritis have a lot of contact with healthcare providers in one form or another. Fast access to specialists can mean quicker diagnosis, or for worsening conditions this could mean fast access to alternative treatments.

The availability of new specialists drugs and therapies such as hydrotherapy or occupational therapy, could greatly improve every day lives.

What is Arthritis Care in North England doing?

We are building relationships with local Patient and Public Involvement Forums and are supporting local people to become involved with the planning of healthcare.

What can I do?

• You can let us know what you think by email, phone or post.
• You can go along to your local Patient and Public Involvement Forum meeting. Contact our Wakefield office for details of this in your area.
• Join the Arthritis Care Campaigners Network for guidance and useful online tools.