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27/03/2006
Cash boost for arthritis sufferers
An extra £6 million is to be invested in the treatment of people suffering from severe arthritis in Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Shaun Woodward has today announced that the money will be invested in the anti-TNF drugs, and says that it will help to clear the current two-year waiting list.
The drugs are expensive, costing around £11,000 per patient per year and it is understood that at the moment, around 400 people receive it, however the Minister said that he hopes to more than double the number by 2008.
Speaking earlier today at the Mitre Rehabilitation Centre at Musgrave Park Hospital, the Minister said: “I hope people will see that I am keeping my word to make this health system work and ensure we put patients first.
“Now I intend to double the number of people getting specialist drugs for severe arthritis.”
He continued: “Too many people are waiting to begin treatment with anti-TNF drugs for severe arthritis. I have had too many letters from patients telling their stories of huge anxiety. These patients are in pain and today I want to help alleviate their difficulty.
Mr Woodward added: "My reforms to the health service now mean I can invest money into arthritis specialist treatments and help slash the waiting lists.
Mr Woodward concluded by saying that with these new resources, everyone currently on the waiting list will receive their treatment by March 2008.
UUP MLA Norman Hillis has today welcomed the Ministers announcement. He said: "Arthritis is a painful disease which afflicts many people and the improvements reported by those already receiving anti-TNF drugs treatment is most encouraging.
"These drugs can make such a difference that people can return to living a normal, pain free life and have the full use of their facilities.
"I welcome the fact that the Government has listened to the needs of patients and acted in this way to help them receive speedier treatment."
Today’s announcement follows last month’s reform by Minister Woodward to slash waiting lists for disease modifying therapies for MS sufferers.
(EF/SP)
Health Minister Shaun Woodward has today announced that the money will be invested in the anti-TNF drugs, and says that it will help to clear the current two-year waiting list.
The drugs are expensive, costing around £11,000 per patient per year and it is understood that at the moment, around 400 people receive it, however the Minister said that he hopes to more than double the number by 2008.
Speaking earlier today at the Mitre Rehabilitation Centre at Musgrave Park Hospital, the Minister said: “I hope people will see that I am keeping my word to make this health system work and ensure we put patients first.
“Now I intend to double the number of people getting specialist drugs for severe arthritis.”
He continued: “Too many people are waiting to begin treatment with anti-TNF drugs for severe arthritis. I have had too many letters from patients telling their stories of huge anxiety. These patients are in pain and today I want to help alleviate their difficulty.
Mr Woodward added: "My reforms to the health service now mean I can invest money into arthritis specialist treatments and help slash the waiting lists.
Mr Woodward concluded by saying that with these new resources, everyone currently on the waiting list will receive their treatment by March 2008.
UUP MLA Norman Hillis has today welcomed the Ministers announcement. He said: "Arthritis is a painful disease which afflicts many people and the improvements reported by those already receiving anti-TNF drugs treatment is most encouraging.
"These drugs can make such a difference that people can return to living a normal, pain free life and have the full use of their facilities.
"I welcome the fact that the Government has listened to the needs of patients and acted in this way to help them receive speedier treatment."
Today’s announcement follows last month’s reform by Minister Woodward to slash waiting lists for disease modifying therapies for MS sufferers.
(EF/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
