A WELL known disabled campaigner went to Westminster to help Parliamentarians learn more about the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on people’s working lives.
Lynda Hesketh, a leading light in the Chester Ad-PHAB club for disabled and non-disabled people, and other National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society members, joined MPs on World Arthritis Day, including Chester MP Christine Russell.
MPs were told RA is an “incredibly painful disease” affecting more than 580,000 people in England and can cause severe disability. It mainly affects the joints but can impact on other organs.
Sixty-five per cent of people with RA have to give up work as a result of their condition.
Mrs Russell said: “Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, like Lynda, should have the right to work and contribute to society.
“Three quarters of people are of working age when they are diagnosed with RA. It is therefore vital that they have access to the services they need to help them stay in work.
“We must also raise awareness amongst local employers in Chester about the importance of creating flexible and accessible workplace environments to assist employees with long-term conditions, such as RA to stay in work.”
Just over 40 per cent of people with RA are registered disabled within three years and the condition can shorten life expectancy by about six to 10 years.
Ailsa Bosworth, chief executive and founder of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, said: “Policymakers must consider the economic burden imposed on individuals, families and society if people with RA are unable to work.
“Over a lifetime this can result in lost earnings for the individual totalling £287,544.
“GP education about the signs and symptoms of RA is critical to ensuring individuals are diagnosed early, have access to the most appropriate treatments, rehabilitation and ongoing care so they can rejoin or be retained in the workforce.”