Research User Group Newsletter Keele University RUG Spring / Summer edition | Page 14

Stephen Dent and
Christine Walker visit
The House of Commons
T
Stephen with his MP Fiona Bruce and Gillian Eames, a
friend of Stephen's who is a NASS trustee
wo members of the Research User Group
have visited London recently to champion
musculoskeletal conditions in the Houses of
Parliament. Stephen Dent attended the 40th
anniversary National Ankylosing Spondylitis
Society (NASS) Parliamentary Reception on
Wednesday 2nd November 2016.
Hosted by Ben Howlett MP, the event was entitled AS it is: Patient Voice and Patient Choice and provided an
opportunity for NASS to thank supporters like Stephen.
The group also took the opportunity to raise awareness amongst MPs of the upcoming publication of NICE Guidelines
for Spondyloarthritis in the context of the current 8.5 year delay to diagnosis Ankylosing Spondylitis and the
importance of written care plans as a vital tool for good practice in ongoing care.
Stephen spent all afternoon in Westminster and sat in the gallery of both the House of Lord and House of Commons.
He also enjoyed the NASS Patients’ Choice Awards, as voted for by NASS members, celebrating good practice.
NEWS FROM RUG MEMBERS
Meanwhile Christine Walker travelled to the capital city on
February 21st with her MP Fiona Bruce, to attend an event which
focused on working with musculoskeletal conditions. Arthritis
Research UK used the event to publicise a new report on the
subject, designed to dovetail with the publication of the
Government’s work, health and disability Green Paper, ‘Improving
Lives’.
Attendees could feel what it is like to work with arthritis using a
special ‘arthritis glove’ which gave them the same sensation
someone with arthritis in their hands would feel.
There was also the opportunity to talk to people with arthritis and
learn how they push back their condition and a chance for various
MPs around the county to see how many people in their
constituencies have musculoskeletal conditions, with bespoke
area by area data. Christine said:
“I believe the event went very well and I was able to push home my
own concerns about the lack of review for this condition at
Primary Health Care level. Most MPs agreed with me and were
keen to help where they could.  I met and talked to many MPs who
had concerns for their own health and also that of their
constituency members. They were able to take away a great deal
of documentation" 
Christine with her MP Fiona Bruce in
London