Local MPs and MSP visit prestigious Glasgow research centre

Alison Thewliss MP, Bill Kidd MSP and Carol Monaghan MP all visited theArthritis Research UK Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis Centre of Excellence (RACE), at the University of Glasgow on Friday (9 February), to learn about the impact of arthritis on their local constituents and the current investment in arthritis research across Scotland.The centre, which is funded by Arthritis Research UK, investigates the causes of and potential treatments forrheumatoid arthritis, a painful autoimmune disease which affects over 400,000 people in the UK. Data analysed by the charity reveals that nearly 37,000 people in Scotland have rheumatoid arthritis, with 8,000 of those living in Glasgow and Clyde.The impact of rheumatoid arthritis and other types arthritis, such asosteoarthritis, on society and the economy is considerable. Together, these conditions are the largest single cause of workplace absence in the UK, resulting in 30.8 million working days lost each year. Arthritis Research UK are working with politicians across the spectrum to help them shape the research and policy agendas, so that people with arthritis can live fulfilling lives.Bringing together expertiseRheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the joints, leading to chronic pain and fatigue. Although drug treatments have improved considerably over the years, many people with the condition still have difficulty doing things most of us take for granted, like getting to work, climbing the stairs or getting dressed...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news