Written question WQ99682
- Asked by
- Natasha AsgharConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 10 days
Question
How will the Welsh Government recognise the importance of reducing the impact of arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, which affect nearly one million people in Wales, through its public health and prevention agenda?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care (Mabon ap Gwynfor)
We recognise that reducing the impact of arthritis and MSK conditions is an important part of our wider public and preventative health agenda.
We are building on the national approach set out in the Quality Statement for Musculoskeletal Health and the framework Living with Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions in Wales, which promote prevention, early intervention and self-management. Delivery is supported by the National MSK Strategic Clinical Network, which is driving improvements across primary, community and secondary care, including the development of an all-Wales integrated MSK service specification to support more consistent, person-centred care, reduce variation and promote prevention, early diagnosis, supported self-management and timely intervention.
Alongside this, Public Health Wales is establishing a national MSK Prevention Steering Group to identify opportunities to embed high-quality, equitable prevention across the life course and within pathways of care. My officials are involved in this work and will continue to work with NHS Wales, Public Health Wales and partners to ensure arthritis and MSK conditions are reflected appropriately within our public health and prevention priorities.