MUSCULOSKELETAL SERVICES FRAMEWORK

Early day motion 113, tabled 19 November 2009 by Paul Rowen (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 46 members.

That this House welcomes the publication of Joint Working?: An Audit of the Implementation of the Department of Health's musculoskeletal services framework by the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance; notes that musculoskeletal conditions place a significant burden on both the NHS and society, accounting for £3.5 billion of total NHS spending every year and causing a loss of some 11.2 million working days per annum; expresses concern that the Department of Health's musculoskeletal services framework has been implemented in an inconsistent way across the country since its introduction in 2006; recognises that the variations in standards of care across the UK for patients living with musculoskeletal conditions should be addressed; and calls on the Government to consider the recommendation contained in the report for the appointment of a national clinical director to lead and develop new priorities and incentives for musculoskeletal services in the UK.

Signatures by party: Labour 22, Liberal Democrat 13, DUP 4, Conservative 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent 1, UUP 1.