Monmouth MP David Davies limbered up to celebrate World Arthritis Day by joining in the Abergavenny Stretch.
Mr Davies gathered with members of the Abergavenny branch of the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society at Nevill Hall Hospital on 11th October to take part in Stretch for NASS.
The national campaign, which coincided with the World Arthritis Day theme ‘Move to Improve’, aimed to highlight the importance of exercise for people with ankylosing spondylitis.
A form of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a painful progressive condition. There is no cure and if not diagnosed early enough or not treated correctly, AS can cause irreversible fusing of the spine.
“It’s great that events such as this have been organised to raise public awareness of AS, exercise and the invaluable support offered by the network of NASS branches,” said Mr Davies.
“The Abergavenny group has members from all over Monmouthshire and beyond and provides regular exercise, as well as access to regular hydrotherapy and physiotherapy sessions.
“However, I was very concerned to hear complaints from several people about changes to the care they are being provided with.
“For years, many members received treatment at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath. As a result of Welsh Government policies which discourage treatment over the border, they are now finding funding has been withdrawn and they are being repatriated back to local services instead.
“I will be raising this with the Chief Executive of the Aneurin Bevan Health Board”.
Anyone wishing to get in touch with the Abergavenny NASS group should email the secretary, Martin Cook, at abergavennynass@hotmail.co.uk
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