Caroline Nokes MP pledged her support for people with arthritis in Romsey and Southampton North on Monday, at an event hosted by charity Versus Arthritis in the Houses of Parliament.
Over 10 million people in the UK are living with arthritis – that’s one in six of us – according to a new report by the charity.
Versus Arthritis, the UK’s leading arthritis charity and biggest funder of arthritis research, told MPs they must support constituents living with the daily pain, fatigue, and restricted mobility caused by the condition.
Caroline who attended the event, ‘Arthritis: The impact on your constituents’, said: “The pain of arthritis can take away your ability to work, care for a family, and live independently, and according to Versus Arthritis, the condition will cost the NHS an eye-watering £118 billion over the next decade.”
At the event, MPs heard directly from people with arthritis and health professionals about what it is like living with the debilitating condition. The charity also presented findings from its new report, the State of Musculoskeletal Health 2023, which reveals that arthritis is one of the leading causes of sickness absence in the UK, causing 23 million lost working days in 2021 alone.
Many of those who cannot work due to arthritis are waiting for joint replacement surgery, which has some of the longest waiting times in the UK.
Zoe Chivers, Director of Services and Influencing at Versus Arthritis said: “Far too many people are living with the devastating effects of arthritis, feeling dismissed, ignored, and desperate for the treatment and support they deserve.
“If you or someone you know is living with arthritis, Versus Arthritis is here for you. We’re providing support through our Helpline and online services, funding research into future treatments and cures, and campaigning for better access to arthritis treatment, diagnosis, and support.
“It is crucial that parliamentarians recognise the impact of arthritis and take action to improve the lives of people with arthritis in their constituencies, so we are very grateful to Caroline for her support.”
Find out more at: www.versusarthritis.org
