Reading resident heads to 10 Downing Street to call on the Government to take arthritis seriously

After backing the campaign and sharing her story, Pippa, 37, who has arthritis, was invited to join Chief Executive of Versus Arthritis, Deborah Alsina, and other people living with arthritis to hand in the letter on Thursday October 10, two days ahead of World Arthritis Day.

The letter outlines five priorities for the government to commit to; including to make arthritis a health priority and tackle waiting times for essential planned care – like knee and hip replacements – so that people with arthritis can live life on their own terms again. 

It calls for more investment into musculoskeletal research to help drive life-changing breakthroughs.  It also focusses on support, for people with arthritis to stay in or return to work,  and giving the right tools to ensure children and young people with arthritis can thrive at school, at home, and in the community.

Pippa first had issues with her knee at 16, and had her first knee operation at the age of 18. In total she has had five knee operations in the past 20 years. Despite all this, she has struggled to get a definitive diagnosis and consistent support, beyond being sent to a physiotherapist.

Pippa was involved in the Versus Arthritis 2024 General Election manifesto, where she talked about her experiences. Stories like Pippa’s are not uncommon, says the charity, and they illustrate why arthritis must be prioritised in health plans and by health services.

Pippa shared why campaigning with Versus Arthritis is so important:

“I signed the Open Letter to the Government because people suffering with arthritis need timely diagnoses and effective treatments to manage their pain and maintain their quality of life. The campaign is crucial as it highlights the urgent need for better healthcare support and resources for the millions affected by arthritis.

“Personally, I believe that raising awareness and advocating for these changes can significantly improve the lives of those living with this debilitating condition.”

Over 10 million people in the UK have arthritis, which refers to a group of conditions causing painful, stiff and restricted joints. That’s one in six living with the pain, fatigue and disability it can cause. Versus Arthritis are campaigning to ensure every person with arthritis gets a timely diagnosis, so they can access the right treatment, care and understanding to live well.

Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive of Versus Arthritis, said:

"For too long, arthritis has not been taken seriously. This can’t go on. People with arthritis cannot continue to live without the right support and care they need to live healthy and happy lives.

“We need the UK Government to commit to tackle NHS backlogs. We need innovation in health services that transforms treatment and care, with dedicated clinical leadership to deliver it. We need additional investment in life-changing research to find the treatments of tomorrow, and we need the right support for those in education or at work to ensure they can thrive today. "

On the 10 October at Westminster, Pippa will be calling on the government to commit to take arthritis seriously, and ensure every person with arthritis feels seen, heard and supported.