Annette Brooke MP calls for improved Ankylosing Spondylitis services

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Annette Brooke MP calls for improved Ankylosing Spondylitis services

July 12, 2010 4:22 PM
Originally published by Annette Brooke MP and Mid Dorset & North Poole Lib Dems

Annette Brooke MP, met with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patients and experts last week to discuss the barriers to AS patients receiving the best care for the painful and disabling spinal condition. The patients were in Westminster for the launch of the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society's (NASS) report Looking Ahead which highlights the problems people with AS face due to delayed diagnosis and a lack of access to appropriate expertise and therapies.

Ankylosing Spondylitis affects approximately 200,000 people in the UK - almost double the number of people with Parkinson's Disease and around twice the number of people with multiple sclerosis. The first symptom people are likely to experience is back pain, particularly at night and after long periods of immobility. At its worst, AS can lead to complete fusion of the spine, as well as eye inflammation, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference. People with AS whose condition is picked up early and managed well can be active, work normally and have a good quality of life. However, many people with AS have symptoms for years before the diagnosis is made. Current evidence indicates an average delay of 8 years between symptom onset and diagnosis. It is vitally important that patients feel confident in reporting back pain to their GP and asking questions at every stage of the treatment process.

Annette Brooke MP said:

"Around 300 people in my area are living with Ankylosing Spondylitis. I have no doubt that more can be done to improve the services that they are receiving. There are some centres of excellence for the treatment of AS in the UK, but the number of these centres in the NHS is limited and too few patients receive optimum care as a result. It is time for this to change, particularly since we now have the knowledge and tools to do things better. Ensuring access to the appropriate specialists and treatments would mean that more patients are helped to manage their condition."