Written question WQ99946
- Asked by
- Jason O'ConnellReform
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 9 days
Question
What actions is the Welsh Government taking or planning to take to improve support available to people with arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions to return to or remain in work?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care (Mabon ap Gwynfor)
We recognise that arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions can have a significant impact on people's ability to remain in or return to work.
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, self-management and timely access to services. Delivery is supported by the National MSK Strategic Clinical Network, which is driving improvements across primary, community and secondary care, including development of an all-Wales integrated MSK service specification to support more consistent, person-centred care and improve outcomes for people living with MSK conditions.
In addition, our In-Work Support Service helps people recovering from MSK and mental ill health conditions to remain in work or return to work more quickly. The service provides rapid access to therapeutic support, helping to prevent people becoming absent from work due to their condition and supporting those already off work to return sooner. The service also provides training and support to employers to strengthen workplace health and wellbeing practices and policies.