9 March 2023
The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) has launched the first ever national inquiry into inequalities in musculoskeletal health. This inquiry will focus on people living in deprived areas, where there are higher unemployment rates, incomes lower than the national average and less access to health services. Musculoskeletal conditions include everything that affects bones, joints or muscles, including arthritis.
People living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions in these areas find it harder to access good quality treatment. ARMA believes that this inequality is not acceptable, and services need to change to make access more equal. Arthritis Action, as a member of ARMA, fully supports this inquiry.
The inquiry aims to:
• Identify the evidence for inequalities in musculoskeletal health in deprived areas and explore the possible underlying reasons
• Propose actions which can be taken to address the issues and identify possible solutions
ARMA is keen to hear from people who live with musculoskeletal conditions about any issues they have in accessing support or services for their condition. They would particularly like to hear from people who live in areas where there is high unemployment, incomes much lower than the national average and limited access to health services and good housing.
You can find more information on the inquiry website.
If you would like to take part, please send your comments by email to equalities@arma.uk.net. Alternatively, you can complete this simple online form. The closing date for replies is 3 April 2023.
Lived Experience Panel
As part of the inquiry process, ARMA is setting up a lived experience panel, made up of people who live with musculoskeletal conditions and want to help the inquiry. The panel will play a key role in looking at all the evidence and comments gathered during the enquiry and help advise on the recommendations and commenting on the final report.
Anyone taking part in the lived experience panel will receive financial recognition for their assistance. More details on applying for the panel can be found on ARMA’s website and the deadline for applications is 27 March 2023.