News & Events
General News & Events
Volunteers with arthritis wanted for research study
“How do patients with arthritis seek information in online health communities?”Are you above 16 years of age? Do you have arthritis? Do you seek and (or) share information in online forums?
If you answered YES to all these questions, we would love you to get in touch and participate in our study. Please
click here for more information.
From sick to fit – The new statement of fitness for work
On 6th April 2010 the traditional ‘sick note’ was replaced by the all new improved ‘fit note’. Though initially hailed as a radical change in practice this is, to a degree, spin in that the new fit note, otherwise known as the ‘Med 3’ form or ‘Statement of Fitness for Work’ form, is an amalgamation of previous forms: Med 3,4,5,6 and RM7, which have until now provided similar information and are to be withdrawn.
For more information on 'fit notes'
click here.
Advice on Swine Flu for rheumatology patients
Click herefor the BSR (British Society for Rheumatology) information on swine flu
Click herefor Direct gov info on swine flu.
NRAS have also put together some general information on swine flu, takenfrom the various available NHS sources. To read this information,
click here.
There is also a useful PDF from Department of Health which you can view by
clicking here.
The Effort Survey
Are you someone with rheumatoid arthritis who has had footwear, insoles or foot splints? Or, are you a health professional who has provided such services? The University of East Anglia (UEA) really want to hear from you. Please
click herefor more information and to take part in the survey.
NRAS WorkWise Workshops
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can affect all aspects of a person's life, including their ability to work. Despite the challenges, most people with RA CAN and Do work. Work is very important in our lives not just from a financial point of view but it has been proven that work is good for our health. It's good for your self esteem, your social life and your happiness!
NRAS are running a series of employment workshops for people living with RA.
Click herefor more information.
NICE have once again said 'no' to the use of Tocilizumab in the NHS
The NRAS are devastated to learn that NICE have once again said ‘no’ to the use of Tocilizumab in the NHS. This is indeed a bitter blow for patients who have failed on Anti-TNF, particularly those who have sero-negative RA and for whom the only other biologic drug option, Rituximab, may not be suitable.
To see the full NRAS statement in regard to NICE decision on Tocilizumab, please
click here.
The '12 Tips of Christmas'
Survey results show that 'Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Want Pain-Free Shopping Days at Christmas', please
click hereto see the findings and download our '12 Tips of Christmas' to help you embrace and enjoy the countdown to Christmas.
Patients in Focus Awards 2010
Have you developed a new idea to improve services for, or the education of your rheumatoid arthritis patients?If so, you can win £1,500 in the Patients in Focus Awards 2010. The deadline for entries is Friday 29th January 2010.
To download the application form and for further details, please
click here.
2010 Stene Prize
Every other year EULAR and the Standing Committee for PARE offer the Edgar Stene Prize for the best essay by a rheumatic patient on a previously determined topic. The Stene Prize is EUR 2,000 and includes travel to the Annual EULAR Congress of that year with hotel accommodation for up to four nights as well as an invitation to attend the Opening Ceremony and the Gala Dinner at the congress.
UK competitors should submit an essay not exceeding 2 pages (A4) in their national language to
sarahrich@arma.uk.netby 31 January 2010.
Please
click herefor further details.
The Yellow Card scheme
Spontaneous reporting of side-effects to medicines is an important method of monitoring the safety of medicines throughout their marketed life. For many years health professionals have made a valuable contribution to this process by reporting suspected adverse drug reactions to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the UK medicines regulatory body, via the Yellow Card scheme.
More...
‘Who Sees What?’ national consultation on electronic patient records
Have you ever wondered how your personal health records are stored and who has access to them? Do you want to know more about how things might change as the NHS shifts to a system of electronic records? Now is your chance to learn what the NHS plans to do with your personal information, and to let the government know what you think. Patients, carers, health workers and members of the public are being invited to have their say through a six-month national consultation, organised by the New Economics Foundation, from September 2009 to February 2010.
More...
Lay Member vacancy: BPS Patient Liaison Committee
The British Pain Society (BPS) Patient Liaison Committee is now recruiting for another lay member to join the committee.
Application is by CV with covering letter addressing the key elements of the person specification, which will be forwarded with the application pack.
The closing date is Friday 29th January 2010 at 5pm. Click here for further details.
Please click here to view NRAS Event & Meeting dates
Please click here to view current events