Foyle MP Mark Durkan supporting Arthritis Research’s new manifesto and pledging to become an “Arthritis Champion.”
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has supported Arthritis Research’S new manifesto “Prevent, Transform, Cure” at a parliamentary reception in Westminster and has agreed to become an “Arthritis Champion” on behalf of the charity and the thousands of people in Derry who suffer from the condition.
Musculoskeletal conditions include osteoarthritis, back pain and osteoporosis. They prevent people from doing the things others take for granted, such as going to work, playing with children or grandchildren, walking to the shops or going out with friends.
People living with these conditions often experience a great deal of pain and a loss of mobility. Over 10 million people in the UK have a musculoskeletal condition.
By agreeing to become an Arthritis Champion, Mr Durkan has pledged to campaign to make musculoskeletal conditions a priority and fight to ensure people in Derry with arthritis get high-quality care at the time that they need it.
Speaking about the manifesto, Mr Durkan said: “I am delighted to become an Arthritis Champion. Musculoskeletal conditions affect a huge number of people in Derry and are a significant cause of disability throughout the North.
“These are painful conditions which can have a massive impact on every aspect of people’s lives. We need to see change that creates the best possible policy environment in which to prevent and cure these conditions. We also need an urgent transformation of the services available to those that are living with these conditions now.”
Dr Liam O’Toole, chief executive officer of Arthritis Research UK, said he was “delighted” Mr Durkan had agreed to champion the needs of people with arthritis.
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