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Axial Spondyloarthritis
17 September 2020
Lead MP
Tom Randall
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
NHSSocial CareChildren & Families
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Tom Randall raised concerns about axial spondyloarthritis in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Tom Randall, MP for Gedling, raised the issue of delayed diagnosis and management of axial spondyloarthritis (AS), a type of inflammatory arthritis affecting approximately one in 200 adults in the UK. He emphasised that AS often presents in late teens or early 20s and is associated with severe fatigue, uveitis, and psoriasis. The average delay from symptom onset to diagnosis is eight and a half years, leading to poorer clinical outcomes, higher healthcare costs, and increased work disability. Randall highlighted the need for local inflammatory back pain pathways, public awareness campaigns, and routine adoption of minimum service specifications in NHS.
Helen Whately
Con
Faversham and Mid Kent
Acknowledged Tom Randall's personal courage in bringing the issue to Parliament. Emphasised the importance of early diagnosis for preventing severe disability and improving quality of life.
Government Response
The Minister, Eleanor Laing, commended Tom Randall on his bravery in raising personal health issues in Parliament. She highlighted that AS is often misdiagnosed as mechanical lower back pain and noted the importance of awareness among healthcare professionals and the public. The Minister mentioned the NHS long-term plan's commitment to improving access to musculoskeletal first-contact practitioners and physiotherapists, and she expressed willingness to meet with Tom Randall to discuss further improvements in diagnosis and treatment pathways for AS. She also acknowledged the work done by the National Institute for Health Research on AS research.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.