Arma calls for action on World Arthritis Day 2012

ARMA is pleased to announce the launch of our new  Manifesto for transforming the quality of life of people with musculoskeletal disorders in the UK.  With an ageing population, a growing emphasis on public health and prevention and an increasing need for health services to deliver cost-effective care, there has never been a  more important time to campaign for the recognition of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) as a health priority and to work for healthcare becoming truly patient-centred and integrated.

Informed by the extensive experience and expertise of our 40 member organisations, ARMA is uniquely placed to speak on behalf of the musculoskeletal community.

ARMA is calling for improvements in care to meet the needs of people with MSDs, access to the right care, in the right place, at the right time and support to enable people with MSDs to live healthy independent, fulfilling lives.

Read more: Arma calls for action on World Arthritis Day 2012

Benefits & Works Newsletter - Oct 12

In this edition we have confirmation that the DWP is actively considering axeing employment and support allowance (ESA) payments for claimants who challenge a decision that they are fit for work.  Instead, claimants will have to try to sign on for jobseeker’s allowance, where they will face a harsh new regime which, from later this month, will include potential benefit sanctions of up to three years.   

Plus, we learn how many ESA claimants who get found fit for work are left with no income at all and discover the outrage amongst disability charities at a secret deal done between Disabilty Rights UK and the DWP.

We also have leaked confirmation that Atos will be paid millions in bonuses for getting disability living allowance (DLA) to personal independence payment (PIP) transfer medicals done in a tearing hurry rather than getting them right – and how this may also affect not just DLA but also ESA claimants.

Read more: Benefits & Works Newsletter - Oct 12

Over 500 Completes in PIP Health survey on Fibromyalgia

Earlier this year we asked you to sign up for PIP Health, a research company we have established a partnership with. Together we did an important survey to help raise awareness of Fibromyalgia, and to show what does and doesn’t work in the diagnosis and treatment of Fibromyalgia.

Over 500 people signed up and took part in this survey, which will help us make a difference for people with Fibromyalgia. That’s great, thanks everyone for signing up and taking part!

If you missed the chance to sign up and be part of this survey, don’t worry: PIP Health does lots of research into many healthcare related topics, and they will carry out more surveys about Fibromyalgia in future.

Click the link below and register for PIP Health to get invited to share your experiences and opinions in relevant surveys. Registering is completely free, and taking part in surveys is always optional, but each time you do complete a survey, PIP Health will donate another £1 to FMA UK.

Register at PIP Health

Dr Andrew Holman - Kings College Hosp 21 Jul 12

Dr Andrew Holman presentation Kings College Hospital 21/07/12

FMA UK were delighted that Dr Holman agreed to several invitations to speak to groups in the south east of England during his “holiday” in the UK.  We appreciate the time, understanding and dedication he showed to all those that met him.

At the talk at The Weston Education Centre in Kings College Hospital London we had 60 attendees, who were all enthused by the information given.

After explaining the history of fibromyalgia research and the information gained about the symptoms and various medications, he went on to his research regarding cord compression.

Read more: Dr Andrew Holman - Kings College Hosp 21 Jul 12