Thank you for contacting me about arthritis. I recognise that living with a long-term condition, such as arthritis, can have a significant impact upon a person’s wellbeing.

I know that there is no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatments that can help slow it down, including lifestyle changes, medicines and surgery. I welcome that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is presently working on updated guidance for treatment of Osteoarthritis, which is due for publication following extensive consultation in 2022.

The NHS was asked to undertake a clinical review of standards relating to waiting times. This must be clinically led to enable best, and safest, delivery of care for patients. I understand that NHS England has now prepared proposals, covering waiting times across the service, including elective procedures, mental health, cancer, and A&E.

I understand that the recommendations following this review have been deferred as part of the NHS response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which is understandable.

I know that, while it has been important to postpone some NHS activities to protect individuals and enable resources to be used as efficiently as possible, I am urging the NHS to restart elective procedures as soon as it is safe to do so. I am in regular contact with the local NHS management teams and will keep a close eye on this issue as more activities are resumed across the local health service.