To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking, with reference to the report by the National Audit Office on Services for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis, to work with primary care trusts to promote early treatment of and employment-focused support for people with inflammatory arthritis. (304419)

The Department has published a good practice commissioning pathway for inflammatory arthritis which supports clinicians in identifying cases of rheumatoid arthritis and ensuring that they are set on the right pathway of care. This describes key symptoms, for example where patients should be referred for urgent treatment.

General practitioners can also use the Map of Medicine to determine the best possible treatment options for their patients, including information on the various patterns of onset, diagnostic tests and medical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.¹

The Government response to Dame Carol Black’s review of the health of the working age population “Working for a Healthier Tomorrow” introduced a number of policy initiatives aimed at supporting people with health conditions to stay in, return to or move in to work.

For example, Pathways to Work and Condition Management Programme are designed to meet the needs of the three most common causes of long-term sickness: mental health, musculoskeletal and cardio respiratory conditions. Individuals who have inflammatory arthritis and are claiming benefits can volunteer to participate.

The Fit for Work Service Pilots will integrate with existing health and employment-related structures and services, such as Jobcentre Plus and relevant local partnerships, to join up appropriate support for sickness absentees. This will include health-related services such as physiotherapy but will also extend to wider support such as employment, skills, housing and debt advice. As musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common causes of sickness absence, appropriate support for these will be an integral part of the Fit for Work Service pilots and those with inflammatory arthritis will receive appropriate and timely treatment.

¹ The Map of Medicine is a map of best available research evidence and a best evidence clinical guideline. It displays this knowledge in an easy-to-use pathways format, reflecting the patient journey and provides a framework for creating local pathways.