Oral Answers to Questions

Linda Riordan Excerpts

Tuesday 16th April 2013 Commons Chamber

[Dr Poulter]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has visited Wythenshawe hospital and can pay testament to the high-quality care available there. All the points that the right hon. Gentleman has raised will, of course, be taken into account when a decision is made.

[Mrs Linda Riordan (Halifax) (Lab/Co-op)]

16. What steps the Government plans to take to improve public awareness of the signs and symptoms of early rheumatoid arthritis.

[The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman Lamb)]

We have made earlier diagnosis a clear objective in our mandate to the NHS. It is for NHS England and local commissioners to undertake appropriate awareness campaigns on arthritis. We very much welcome the appointment of Professor Peter Kay as the first national clinical director of musculoskeletal disease to advise on specific initiatives.

[Mrs Riordan]

I thank the Minister for his reply. May I ask him for another meeting to discuss this very important matter and take forward further action on it?

[Norman Lamb]

The meetings are stacking up, but I would love to meet the hon. Lady. She should just get in touch with my office and we will get it arranged.