Dear all

I hope I am using the correct section to ask if any Welsh RA sufferers have heard about the latest Directive by the Welsh Assembly Government regarding continuity of care for RA patients on the NHS.

Just to give you some background, I attended my 6 monthly check-up with my (foot consultant) a really nice and understanding man who has been great, during the appointment he said he would be making another appointment for me for 6 months - during that time should I feel I need to see him sooner just to ring and make an appointment. But should I feel that I do not need to see him prior to the 6 monthly appointment or the have a need for any treatment other than new foot supports I will be removed from his patient list !!!!!! this appears to be a new Directive from the Welsh Assembly Government. (obviously another cost cutting exercise again).

Should I then need to see him because of any problem I would need to be referred again through my GP or RA consultant (can you believe it) the only patients that will remain on a waiting list irrespective of their condition/progression are cancer patients and heart patients, whilst I appreciate the need for these patients to be monitored - once again RA seems to have been disregarded as a serious chronic illness which requires equal monitoring ie flare ups and pain control etc - surely preventative treatment/monitoring is better than eventual surgery !!!

I intend to contact the WAG under the Freedom of Information Act to ask for a copy of this Directive to confirm it is correct. It will be interesting to know if anyone else has heard about this ?



Jane