Buckingham MP Greg Smith has pledged to grow the rheumatology workforce, in support of the British Society for Rheumatology’ (BSR) People We Need campaign.
Rheumatology teams provide essential care for children and adults living with the chronic pain and often disability associated with rheumatic and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis. However, there is currently a shortage of rheumatologists and nurse specialists in the UK which is negatively impacting patient care.
Greg said, "I am proud to support BSR's campaign to grow the rheumatology workforce in the UK. I recognise the vital role that rheumatologists, nurse specialists, pharmacists, and allied health professionals play in improving the quality of life for children and adults living with rheumatological conditions. I am committed to taking action to ensure that there are enough rheumatology professionals to meet the needs of patients in my constituency and across the UK."
To address the shortage, BSR has recommended an additional 115 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) rheumatology consultants, 238 WTE specialist rheumatology nurses, 10 WTE paediatric rheumatology consultants in England.
BSR’s new health economics research shows that growing the rheumatology workforce would reduce the overall societal and health costs of incident Rheumatoid Arthritis by an estimated £50 million over 5 years. Furthermore, it would significantly improve the health outcomes of patients at a minimal cost to the NHS, amounting to £152 per incident Rheumatoid Arthritis patient over 5 years.
BSR CEO Sarah Campbell expressed gratitude to Greg Smith MP for signing up to the pledge, stating, "We are thrilled to have Greg Smith MP onboard and committed to our cause. Their support is invaluable in our efforts to grow the rheumatology workforce in the UK. Investing in the rheumatology workforce saves the NHS money by reducing the need for other clinical interventions, such as surgery arising from complications. We look forward to working closely with Greg Smith MP to enhance services and raise these critical issues in parliament, ensuring that the importance of rheumatology is highlighted and prioritised for the benefit of patients in Buckinghamshire.”
