News

COVID-19 Update: Hope on the horizon for immuno-suppressed/compromised individuals

December update on COVID-19 anti-viral medications and monoclonal antibody treatments as well as updates on 3rd primary doses and boosters. On 22nd December we hosted a panel discussion on the COVID treatments now available across the UK for those with immune mediated conditions such as RA. Watch the full video below or on our Youtube […]

News, 10 Dec

Covid update: new treatment Announcement

A press release has been issued relating to antiviral treatments for COVID-19. The following two announcements have been made: -There will be an antivirals trial for those testing positive with covid. This will be available to everyone over 50 and those with specific health conditions. Please refer to the link in this article to see […]

News, 09 Dec

Our brand-new Membership packages have launched!

It has taken a lot of hard work behind the scenes to bring you our new and improved packages that puts you, our Members at the forefront of what NRAS can offer. We have received a lot of feedback on what our Members need from their society and we have used this information to create these brand-new Memberships which gives you more […]

Government intervention needed for COVID-19 third primary jab

News, 06 Dec

Charities call for government intervention to protect lives from COVID-19 this winter as tens of thousands of people struggle to get vital third primary jab

Despite guidance to offer all immunosuppressed patients in England a third primary COVID-19 dose by 11 October, around one in four eligible people with rheumatic conditions are struggling to get access to the jab [1] The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommends three primary COVID-19 vaccine doses for people who are immunosuppressed. A […]

News, 06 Dec

News from NICE on anti-fibrotic treatment for non-IPF patients

NRAS and NICE are pleased to announce that our recent campaign, backed by patients, families and medical experts, to end the inhumane restrictions on a life-extending anti-fibrotic drug for patients with pulmonary fibrosis has been successful. As of 18 October 2021, NICE has agreed that UK doctors will soon be able to prescribe the anti-fibrotic […]

News, 03 Dec

Covid update on face coverings

As we are facing a new strain of covid we urge everyone to stay calm and continue to follow government guidance. Until we have more information on these developments, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and continue to sanitize. Due to this new strain of covid, new rules have been put in place as a precaution until more information is gathered and assessed. Face covering must now be […]

News, 02 Dec

The Third Vaccine

Patients who are eligible Based on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommendations, nearly all rheumatology patients (aside from those solely on hydroxychloroquine or sulfasalazine), should receive a third dose of the vaccine. Patients on a dose of Methotrexate lower than 20mg are also not eligible. Read the full independent report by the JCVI here. Who will contact Patients A letter […]

News, 02 Dec

Ending the Shielding Programme

The decision to end shielding At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, shielding was introduced as one of the few ways to support those who, at the time, were considered clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV). It was the right decision at the time, but we know that shielding advice is extremely restrictive and can have a significant […]

News, 03 Nov

First rheumatology Covid study published (Telemedicine) from community group surveys.

NRAS along with many other patient organisations helped promote this study back in March 2021, the results of which have now been published. Remote consultations:“Perfect for some but disastrous for others”: Patients and clinicians express concerns over phone and video consultations The Covid-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid move by health systems into the digital space […]

News, 17 Sep

National Charity launches first of its kind e-learning programme in Rheumatoid Arthritis – SMILE-RA

Today, 17 September, 2021, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society launches a unique new resource to add to its portfolio of supported self-management programmes, services, publications and digital offerings, called SMILE-RA (Self-Management Individualised Learning Environment in Rheumatoid Arthritis). Rheumatoid Arthritis (>400,000 adults live with RA in the UK) is a serious and complex autoimmune disease characterised […]

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