Reflections on opportunities for better MS health

Throughout my first three months in post, I have been constantly struck by the breadth, diversity, expertise and impact of ARMA’s member organisations. Last week I had the pleasure of being a guest of the British Orthopaedic Association at their Annual Congress in Liverpool. Under the theme of ‘Preventing Harm & Transforming Lives’, I attended…

A Christmas Message from ARMA’s CEO

As the year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on my first six months in post. Since joining ARMA in June, I’ve met almost all our members and associate members. I’ve been heartened by your generosity, honesty, and commitment to improving MSK health for millions of people. I’ve drunk more tea and coffee than…

An important year ahead

I’m not sure whether to start with excitement for the year ahead… or an apology for this newsletter arriving later than planned thanks to a small but mighty IT saga behind the scenes. Let’s call it proof that even in a digital age, progress still occasionally involves turning things off and on again. But delays…

A moment to reflect and a moment to act

As we approach publication of ARMA’s new five year strategy, this feels like an important moment to pause and reflect on the state of musculoskeletal (MSK) health, our sector, and our Alliance. The challenges are clear. Community MSK waiting lists remain among the longest in the NHS, leaving too many people waiting in persistent pain…

20 Million Reasons our new strategy matters

Publishing a new strategy is always a moment to pause. Not just to look ahead, but to reflect on why the choices you’re making matter and why now is the right time to be ambitious. ARMA’s new strategy is grounded in a simple but powerful truth: there are 20 million reasons to act. Over 20…

Aftercare following steroid injection – patient info

This easy-read, high-quality Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) has been developed to support both patients and clinicians following musculoskeletal corticosteroid injection (CSI) in clinical settings. Providing patients with clear, consistent aftercare advice following CSI is recognised as best recommended practice and should form part of standard care. Key features: EASY-READ- Written for a reading age of…

HIPPOCRATES Prospective Observational Study

Help the Psoriasis Association recruit for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) study A new study looking at the development of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is looking for volunteers to take part – all from the comfort of their own home. The HIPPOCRATES Prospective Observational Study (HPOS), led by the University of Oxford in collaboration with University College Dublin,…

NRAS launches Healthcare Champions Awards

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is marking a major milestone in 2026-its 25th anniversary-by launching the Healthcare Champions Awards, a nationwide initiative celebrating excellence across the rheumatology community. The awards highlight the dedication, innovation and compassion shown by professionals who support the UK's 500,000 people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis…

ICBs ration surgeries with BMI thresholds

Arthritis UK Urges ICBs to Scrap BMI Threshold Policies Used to Ration Surgeries Almost a fifth of ICBs in England are rationing joint replacement surgery based on a person’s BMI, an approach that contradicts NICE guidance for the diagnosis and management of osteoarthritis. These policies vary across England, creating a postcode lottery where patients may…

Knee OA report from Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber

This report provides patient-led insights into the lived experience of knee osteoarthritis (OA) across the Yorkshire and Humber region. It explores how OA affects quality of life, mental health, and access to treatment, particularly within the NHS musculoskeletal (MSK) care pathway. Through in-depth interviews with patients at various stages of the total knee replacement (TKR)…