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New Horizons: My First Few Months at NRAS

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Blog by Sarah Parsons

2025 was a year of significant milestones for me. I celebrated my “super 60th” birthday with some unforgettable highlights—from walking over the top of the O2 to catching a Broadway show in New York and fulfilling a lifelong dream of visiting the Museum of the Bible in Washington.

However, while the year brought many celebrations, it also brought the shadow of family ill-health. Amidst these personal twists and turns, October marked the dawning of an exciting new chapter: joining the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) as the Healthcare Engagement Manager.

Bringing 40 Years of Experience to NRAS

Having spent over four decades working in or alongside the NHS, it has been a genuine delight to step into a role that sits at the vital intersection of healthcare professionals and patients.

NRAS is the only patient-led organisation in the UK specialising in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We have the immense privilege of representing and supporting nearly half a million adults living with RA and thousands of young people with JIA. As a lifelong volunteer myself, I am especially proud of our incredible network of volunteers who ensure our support reaches those who need it most.

Hitting the Ground Running

My first couple of months have been a whirlwind of activity, but incredibly rewarding. Beyond the usual induction, I’ve been diving deep into service mapping. This involves analysing NHS regions across England and Health Boards in Wales and Scotland to understand the landscape of local hospitals and community services. The goal is simple: to understand where the patients are and what level of care is available to them.

The highlight of my time so far has been getting out into the field. I recently attended a patient event in Wales where the energy was fantastic. Patients heard directly from a local rheumatologist and the multidisciplinary team, while we shared the various ways NRAS can support them and their families. Building these connections with both patients and healthcare professionals is what truly drives our mission.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The diary for 2026 is already filling up fast with site visits, patient events and speaking engagements. My focus remains clear: bringing NRAS services to as many people as possible while supporting our healthcare professionals during a period of immense pressure within the NHS.

Together, we are working towards a future where everyone living with RA and JIA can not only manage their condition but truly thrive. It’s a vision I am incredibly proud to be part of, and I look forward to every conversation, connection and milestone yet to come in this role.

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