Written question asked by Lord Lansley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 January 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 January 2009. It was answered by Ann Keen (Labour) on Monday, 19 January 2009 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Arthritis: Health Services

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to encourage the development of monitoring clinics in community settings for the purpose of reviewing patients with inflammatory arthritis.

Answer: It is the responsibility of local health bodies to commission services to meet the needs of their population living with inflammatory arthritis. This may include the provision of monitoring clinics in community settings.The Musculoskeletal Framework, published in July 2006 (a copy of which has already been placed in the Library), emphasised the importance of regular reviews for those with inflammatory arthritis, undertaken within a monitoring clinic which can also provide education and support to enhance self-management of these conditions.

Secondary information