WORLD ARTHRITIS DAY 2011

Early day motion 2221, tabled 11 October 2011 by Linda Riordan (Labour). Signed by 45 members.

That this House notes the importance of World Arthritis Day on 12 October 2011 in raising awareness of musculoskeletal diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA); welcomes the 2011 theme Move to Improve which exemplifies the importance of keeping active as part of the effective management of RA; further notes the important role that physiotherapy has in supporting people with RA to maintain their levels of movement and physical activity, reducing pain, fostering independence and in many cases allowing people to remain in work; further welcomes the work of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in highlighting concerns with the way physiotherapy services are being organised and the difficulties these patients may have in accessing services throughout the UK; and praises the work of NRAS in campaigning for equal access to good care and services for all RA patients, their families and carers.

Signatures by party: Labour 22, Liberal Democrat 8, DUP 6, Conservative 4, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Alliance 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.