NEWS AND UPDATES
THE LINK
The link is a new monthly publication about what is going on in Plymouth with regard to carers, and other areas of intrest
to those with disabilities.
This months edition can be found at THE LINK
!!!! CHANGES TO ANTI-TNF POLICY !!!!
As you are probably aware from press reports there are some major changes proposed to policy that NICE uses in respect of
anti-TNF treatment. These changes would mean that people would only have the one chance with anti-TNF. If it does not work,
or the effects wear, off under the new proposed policy there would be "no chance" of trying a second or even a third drug as the
current practice and policy allows. This will have a major effect on a lot of RA sufferers either now or in the future.
There is a very good article and additional information about this available on the NRAS website below. There is also an electronic
petition on the site.
If you feel strongly enough about this issue you can also email your local MP. Your MP's can be contacted via the
"They Work For You" website below. Just put in you post code and it will take you to you local MP's page where there is
an email facility.
NEW PADRAGS FORUM
We now have our new 'Forum' up and running. Please feel free to read and use it. Just click on the Forum
link on the left and it will open a new window where the forum will come to life.
HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS TELEPHONE REMINDERS
Further to our concerns about the telephone calls reminding patients of their forthcoming
hospital appointments there is a telephone number that can be contacted to stop the reminder calls.
The number is 0845 155 8181
The appointments team say that cancelling the reminder calls will not affect either appointments or treatment.
BENEFIT AGENCY INFORMATION POINTS
The Benefits Agency has kindly provided us with a list of localities and date of where
their Benefits Bus will be in the Plymouth Area. There is also a contact number if you are unable to
visit the bus or need help with completing benefit forms. This will be updated monthly.
Click to view the dates and locations in 'Microsoft Word' format. "Benefits Agency Information Points
The link is a new monthly publication about what is going on in Plymouth with regard to carers, and other areas of intrest to those with disabilities.
This months edition can be found at THE LINK
As you are probably aware from press reports there are some major changes proposed to policy that NICE uses in respect of
anti-TNF treatment. These changes would mean that people would only have the one chance with anti-TNF. If it does not work,
or the effects wear, off under the new proposed policy there would be "no chance" of trying a second or even a third drug as the
current practice and policy allows. This will have a major effect on a lot of RA sufferers either now or in the future.
There is a very good article and additional information about this available on the NRAS website below. There is also an electronic
petition on the site. If you feel strongly enough about this issue you can also email your local MP. Your MP's can be contacted via the
"They Work For You" website below. Just put in you post code and it will take you to you local MP's page where there is
an email facility. We now have our new 'Forum' up and running. Please feel free to read and use it. Just click on the Forum
link on the left and it will open a new window where the forum will come to life. Further to our concerns about the telephone calls reminding patients of their forthcoming
hospital appointments there is a telephone number that can be contacted to stop the reminder calls.
The number is 0845 155 8181
The appointments team say that cancelling the reminder calls will not affect either appointments or treatment. BENEFIT AGENCY INFORMATION POINTS The Benefits Agency has kindly provided us with a list of localities and date of where
their Benefits Bus will be in the Plymouth Area. There is also a contact number if you are unable to
visit the bus or need help with completing benefit forms. This will be updated monthly. Click to view the dates and locations in 'Microsoft Word' format. "Benefits Agency Information Points