Outrageous!!

I do agree that new patients need to be assessed and diagnosed quickly so they can start DMARDS, I wasn't diagnosed for well over a year and as a result had extensive joint damage. But to be seen within three weeks is unrealistic, the Rheumatologists are pushed to the limit as it is. That's a very good point you have made Jean, about bringing GP's up to date with R.A and employ more Rheumatologists

Rebecca

Hi ladies

I was surprised to read your comments about waiting times and realise how little I know about the services offered across the country

When I first experienced problems with very fat swollen toes and joints that felt like marbles (it was 8 years ago now) I saw my GP she took 1 look at my toes and said 'I know what that is' and referred me to the consultant straight away and I'm sure my initial appointment was within 3 - 4 weeks and to be honest I thought this was the norm but after reading your posts I realise I was obviously very lucky. I was started on DMARDS and NSAIDS immediately and as a result have been told that even after 8 years I have very little joint damage beyond normal wear and tear for my age. Rebecca I can't believe you had to wait that long for a diagnosis that really is outrageous - is that a normal waiting time?

Now I have an established disease getting an appt is more difficult usually it takes 3 - 6 month's which doesn't sound too bad but when you are in pain it feels like forever! Now I realise how fortunate I am, I will still be silently annoyed at having to wait for appt's but I will also be very grateful the wait isn't as long as it could be if I lived somewhere else. I will however still resent being told my appt is at 1.30pm then sitting in the waiting room until well past 3.30pm before being seen

Deb x

Hi all,

Please see response from our Government Affairs Manager, Jamie, below:

The new Quality Standard for RA that has recently been released is defined as "high-priority areas for quality improvement in a defined care or service". It is based on NICE clinical guidelines, known as 'best practice' that are already in place, although we fully appreciate that they are not implemented universally! Under new health reforms, Commissioners will have a duty to have regard to these Quality Standards when devising their services. We are aware of the issues around GP education and onwards referrals however our expectations are that we can use the new QS to drive up awareness.

ARUK are currently undertaking a major piece of work on improving GP syllabuses on MSK diseases, including RA, and we also recently collaborated on a major piece of learning for GPs in their prominent trade magazine 'Pulse'. GP education remains a priority for us and we have many upcoming opportunities to improve this in the future e.g. we are currently planning our first NRAS group based at a GP surgery and we are regularly invited to present at GP training events.

If you have any further queries regarding the new QS or any other issues that concern you, please do get in touch with either Jamie or Leo (Government Affairs team) at NRAS.


Many thanks
Emma

PS. In addition, we have small health professional NRAS leaflets which are great to give to your GPs and it's always worth asking at reception to see if they are willing to display our publications, or even just our poster!