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NRAS "Heart of England" RA Group News
The next group meeting, will take place on Thursday 25th March 2010 between 6.30pm and 8.30pm at the Oliver Bird Hall, Church Hill Road, Solihull, B91 3RQ
The Guest speakers for this meeting will be from Solihull Volkswagen and will give a talk on the Motability Scheme, how to apply, and other aspects of driving with RA.
New members always welcome.
Added: 04/03/2010
Birmingham ARMA Group Meeting
The next BARMA meeting of 2010 will take place on Wednesday 17th March 2010. The meeting will take place at King Edward's Girls' School from 12:30 to 15:00.
BARMA is a local group of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance with the aim of Monitoring local service provision, Identifying and campaigning on local service issues using the ARMA Standards of Care and other policy initiatives. Providing a shared forum for service users, providers and planners.
New members always welcome.
Added: 04/03/2010
Public Accounts Committee Report on RA
The UK Parliament Public Accounts Committe has been meeting for several months over the provision of services for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) The report has now been published. You can find a press release for the report HERE and the full report is available in PDF format HERE.
The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) have responded to the report and you can find the response in word PDF format HERE
The report has also been highlighted in a number of national newspapers.
Added: 24/02/2010
Birmingham Group Meeting Dates
We have now confirmed the new venue and dates for our 2010 meetings, They will now take place at The Hub, Hazelwell near Kings Heath. The meetings will also be moved to an early evening slot as we hope to be able to be more accessible to people with RA. The meeting dates are as follows.
22nd April 6pm- 8pm
24th June 6pm- 8pm
26th August 6pm- 8pm
28th October 6pm- 8pm
16th December 6pm- 8pm
For more details on the venue, and guest speaker information please take a look at our Calender page. We look forward to welcoming everyone and hope to see you soon.
Added: 22/02/2010
NRAS Fundraising
NRAS member Liz Buckley and her daughter Sophie are taking part in the London 2010 Bupa 10,000kms to raise money for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful, chronic auto-immune disease causing inflammation, swelling and fatigue. It is very different from osteoarthritis, please see the very informative NRAS website if you would like to learn more.
Every donation will help NRAS continue their work providing advice, information and support to people affected by rheumatoid arthritis, as well as raising awareness and campaigning for better services and treatments.
You can find Liz and Sophie's sponsorship page HERE
Added: 15/02/2010
Rheumatoid Arthritis & Your Perception
A fellow NRAS member has set up a short survey concerning RA and your perception of it. I know Helly would be extremely grateful if a few more people could take part in the survey which she aims to use to help raise awareness of the condition.
You can find the survey HERE
Added: 12/02/2010
NRAS Workwise Workshops
NRAS are running a series of employment workshops for people living with RA. The evening workshops will give you the opportunity to:
* Listen to experts on employment law and occupational therapy
* Find out about what disability law means for you
* Find out some useful everyday tips for dealing with juggling managing your RA and your career!
The Workshop for the Birmingham area will be held on May 19th.
For more information, details of workshops in other areas, and to download the registration form head over to the NRAS Workwise Workshops page of the main NRAS website.
Added: 13/01/2010
NRAS Radio 4 Charity Appeal
On Sunday, 17th January, tune to into BBC Radio 4 to hear the Charity Appeal on behalf of NRAS. Actress Juliette Kaplan, who plays Pearl in Last of the Summer Wine, has recorded the appeal for NRAS. Juliette has rheumatoid arthritis herself.
The appeal will go out at 7.55am, and will be repeated at 21.26 on Sunday and again at 15.27 on Thursday next week. Radio 4 is on FM 92.4-94.6 or if you miss it you will be able to listen at www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/appeal.
The more people that listen to the appeal, the greater the awareness of rheumatoid arthritis will be, so anything you can do to spread the word to friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and anyone else you can think of would be appreciated.
Added: 13/01/2010
Prescription Promise Campaign
NRAS and a number of other leading charities for people with long term conditions are currently waiting for the results of the government review on free prescriptions. You can find more information about the campaign and what you can do to help at the NRAS Free Prescription Campaign page, or alternatively visit Prescription Promise site. The campaign also has a presence on Facebook.
The cost of the medication for long term conditions can be prohibitive to many, and your support on this issue would have a huge positive impact.
Added: 12/01/2010
Birmingham ARMA Group Meeting
The first BARMA meeting of 2010 will take place on Wednesday 20 January 2010. The meeting will take place at King Edward's Girls' School from 12:30 to 15:00.
BARMA is a local group of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance with the aim of Monitoring local service provision, Identifying and campaigning on local service issues using the ARMA Standards of Care and other policy initiatives. Providing a shared forum for service users, providers and planners.
New members always welcome.
Added: 11/01/2010
NRAS "Heart of England" Group meeting dates
The NRAS Heart of England Group have now announced the venue and dates for their 2010 meetings.
The meetings will take place at the Oliver Bird Hall, Church Hill Road, Solihull, B91 3RQ
View Map
Please note that the disabled access is off the driveway past the main hall entrance steps. A pathway takes you alongside the building and a level entrance is available through double doors.
The meetings are between 6.30pm and 8.30pm on the following dates:
January 28th
March 25th
May 27th
July 22nd
September 30th
November 25th
Added: 07/01/2010
Happy New Year
Beverley & Joanne would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you during 2010.
Added: 30/12/2009
Merry Christmas
The group would like to wish all of it's members a very happy safe and pain free Christmas.
Added: 23/12/2009
New Look NRAS Site Goes Live
The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society have launched their new look website. The new site hopes to make navigation easier and has the information split into sections for easier access.
You can find it at the following location: http://www.nras.org.uk/
Added: 03/12/2009
Parliamentary Select Committee on RA
After the report during the summer from the National Audit Office on the state of RA treatment in the UK there have been a number of meetings held at Westminster on improving awareness not only in the general public, but also with GP's. The most recent meeting which took place on the 23rd November featured on the BBC Parliament channel and is available to view on the BBC iPlayer until 8:04pm Sunday 6th December 2009.
Added: 03/12/2009
Birmingham ARMA Group
The Birmingham ARMA Group has it's next meeting on Wednesday 18th November at 12.30 at the King Edwards High School for Girls, Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham.
This ARMA Local Network group, brings together patients and patient groups, clinicians and allied health professionals to work towards improving musculoskeletal service provision on a local level.
New members are always welcome
Added: 09/11/2009
NRAS "Heart of England" RA Group
The date for the first regular group meeting, which had it's inaugural meeting back in July, has now been confirmed.
The meeting will take place on Thursday 26th November at 17.00hrs untill 19.00hrs in the Rheumatology Clinic Waiting room Ward 9 at Solihull Hospital.
The schedule for the 2010 meetings will be posted here as soon as they've been confirmed.
Added: 09/11/2009
Threat to disability benefits outlined in green paper
A government green paper has revealed plans to stop paying disability benefits and hand the cash over to social services instead. The Shaping the Future of Care Green Paper published by the DWP and the Department of Health on 14th July sets out government plans to get rid of attendance allowance and, depending on public reaction, also leaves the way clear to end the care component of DLA.
A campaign against the proposals has been set up.
These benefits were introduced so that people with a disability could lead more independent lives, and letting the massively under resourced Social Services to deal with the needs of disabled people would be a disaster.
Added: 05/08/2009
NRAS "Heart of England" RA Group
The first group meeting was held on Wednesday 22nd July and had an extremely good turn out. The opening meeting was exceptionally organised, with all the members of the multi disclipinary team giving a short presentation on their roles in the care of people with RA.
Paul and Clare from NRAS were also there to launch the group, and it was an extremely good response to the work NRAS do, and desire to establish a group in the area. We will update this site with news on the group as and when we get the information.
BSR guidlines for Swine Flu and patients on Anti-TNF
The British Society of Rheumatologists (BSR) have issued guidelines for people on Anti-TNF treatments regarding the current Swine Flu pandemic.
Added: 15/07/2009
Arthritis Care challenges "healf hearted" health services
Arthritis Care welcomed the National Audit Office (NOA) report into rheumatoid arthritis services and is urging health chiefs to implement its recommendations as swiftly as possible.
Added: 15/07/2009
NRAS press release on National Audit Office report
The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) has today called for a national campaign to improve awareness about Rheumatoid Arthritis so people can seek swift treatment and prevent long term joint damage and disability. This follows the publication of research by the National Audit Office (NAO) that has revealed a very worrying lack of awareness about RA among the public, health professionals and commissioners.
Added: 15/07/2009
National Audit Office report into services for people with RA
The National Audit Office has painted a gloomy picture of services for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis with it's report released today
Added: 15/07/2009
New NRAS "Heart of England" RA Group announced
The newly announced NRAS "Heart of England" RA Group will have it's launch meeting on Wednesday 22nd July 2009 between 5.15pm and 7.30pm to be held at the Education Centre, Solihull Hospital, Lode Lane, Solihull B91 2JL.
Talks by Dr Robert Palmer & Dr Shirish Subey, Consultant Rheumatologists as well as Clare Jacklin, NRAS Volunteer Network Manager.
To avoid disappointment please book a place by calling NRAS on 0845 458 3969
Added: 14/07/2009
Birmingham RA Support Group now on Facebook
We now have a Facebook page, if you have a Facebook account and you'd like to join you can find the group by clicking HERE
Added: 14/07/2009
NRAS now on Facebook
The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society now has a Facebook page with the latest news. If you have a Facebook account you can find the group HERE
Added: 14/07/2009
Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy's 60 Second Guide to RA
I recently discovered a great site called Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy, it is a well written and informative site by someone who has RA. Written in a down to earth way his 60 Second Guide to RA is a great introduction to RA and would be ideal for those newly diagnosed.
You can also follow Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy on Facebook if you have an account there and can find him by clicking HERE
14/07/2009
Three New NRAS Booklets available
NRAS have released 3 new informative booklets for people with RA. Copies will be available at all group meetings.
Knowing about your Disease Activity Score (DAS)
Managing well: Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Fatigue: Beyond Tiredness
NRAS Developing a Self Management Programme
Since the launch of NRAS in 2001, supporting education and the benefits of proactive self management, has been a priority. However, until now, there has not been a self management programme available tailored to the specific needs of people with rheumatoid arthritis as against ‘all forms’ of arthritis or long term conditions.
You can read the full article HERE
Birmingham ARMA Invitation 21/02/09
For the past few months the Birmingham ARMA group have been attending meetings for the Rheumatology Pathway redesign, South Birmingham PCT has identified a programme of service redesign as part of its commissioning strategy with the aim of offering more choice, convenience and appropriate care for the population of South Birmingham.
Rheumatology is one of the pathways identified to review by Practice-based commissioners with a view to develop a new pathway of care which offers more primary and community based care.
Some of our members may already have completed a questionnaire requesting views of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis regarding when, where, how and by whom they are treated, the results of which should be available by the end of March 2009.
The 7th draft of this Rheumatology pathway redesign is by no means set in tablets of stone!
Birmingham ARMA have invited members of the support group to attend a forthcoming meeting
In order that you as members of B.A.R.M.A. and B.R.A.S.G have a chance to put your views forward and ask questions, they have invited Dr. Barbara King who is chair of our committee and Ruth Denton, the commissioning manager for pathway redesign (South Birmingham P.C.T.) to a special meeting of B.A.R.M.A. on Wednesday 11th March at King Edward High School to commence at 13:00HRS.
This is our chance as patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis to make a difference to the pathway of treatment -
Anyone who would like to attend is more than welcome, as the more that turn up, the more input we can have into the future of Rheumatology services in this area.
Thank you for your time and I hope some of you can attend. If you require any further information about the meeting or Birmingham ARMA, please drop me a mail.
Best wishes
Joanne
Area Co-Ordinator
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
We would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas, and a happy and pain free 2009. Thank you for your support of the group, and I hope we can have a bigger better group in 2009.
Best wishes
Joanne & Steph
Group Co-Ordinators
NICE to start again with review of Anti-TNF drugs
24 November 2008 – The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has today announced that it will take a fresh look at the evidence for the sequential use of Anti-TNF drugs following a successful appeal from the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) and other organisations.
For the full article please click HERE
40,000 people with Rheumatoid Arthritis to be denied access to life changing drugs
21 July 2008 - The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) has reacted angrily to today’s Final Appraisal Document (FAD) issued by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). This decision will deny approximately 60,000 people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) access to a range of Anti-TNF drugs and could leave them facing high levels of pain, the possibility of more surgery and long term disability
For the full article, please click HERE
Lord Darzi launches final report on review of the NHS
Many of you will be aware that Lord Darzi, Under Secretary of State for Health, has been conducting a major and wide ranging review into the NHS over the past 12 months and NRAS have contributed to this review to represent the views of people with RA
For the full article please click HERE
New NRAS Booklets: Employment
NRAS have released two new booklets regarding R.A in the workplace.
Your employment and rheumatoid arthritis
Many people with RA face problems at work, but the good news is that they can often be overcome. Find answers to frequently asked questions here, and for more details ask for your copy of I want to work.
You can get more information on this booklet here
When an employee has rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often begins when people are in the prime of their working lives, which can be difficult both for them and their employers. But the good news is that there are ways to minimise the effects of RA and help employers retain valued staff members.
Find the answers to employers’ frequently asked questions here. For more information, ask for your copy of When an employee has rheumatoid arthritis - a guide for employers
You can get more information on this booklet here
New NRAS Booklet: Explaining Your Symptoms
NRAS have released a new booklet which has been developed especially for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of the guide is to help you explain the problems you may be experiencing and enable you to talk about your feelings during consultations with your rheumatologist or nurse.
You can get more information at the following link.
Prescription Petition
NRAS are currently encouraging people to sign a petition to the government to enable people with R.A to get free prescriptions.
You can sign the petition by going to the following link
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