Campaign gains

Access to new treatments

Access to the powerful new anti-TNF drug treatments has improved considerably. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety now accepts the value of these drugs as effective treatments.

Clearing the waiting list

These drugs are still more difficult to obtain in Northern Ireland than in most other parts of the UK and people still have to wait for long periods to obtain these potentially life transforming treatments. The Health Minister has now pledged to clear the present waiting list within two years.

Rheumatology services

The Northern Health Board finally appointed a second consultant rheumatologist after pressure from Arthritis Care. Other boards have appointed additional rheumatologists and specialist rheumatology nurses. But Northern Ireland still lags well behind the rest of the UK in its provision.

Recognition for arthritis and long-term conditions in general

The Department of Health Strategy document, Healthier Futures, has:

• acknowledged the impact of long-term conditions, including arthritis
• acknowledged the value of self-management training and singled out Arthritis Care’s Challenging Arthritis programmes as an example of good practice
• promised that arthritis would be one of seven chronic condition management programmes to be launched by 2008

But we are still waiting to see these proposals implemented.

Political support

Arthritis has been put on the political agenda, with support from all the main parties and with endorsements from political leaders, including Ian Paisley, Gerry Adams, Mark Durcan and Reg Empey. But the absence of devolution in Northern Ireland means that these people can only seek to influence decisions, not make them.

Making your voice heard

These gains have been achieved through the efforts and involvement of people with arthritis. For information on how you can help see Getting involved