Clwyd West AM Darren Millar pledges to support people in Wales with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
Shadow Health Minister and Clwyd West AM Darren Millar has pledged to support people in Wales with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), a painful and progressive form of inflammatory arthritis.
According to the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS), patients in Wales with Ankylosing Spondylitis need a higher standard of care.
NASS has taken its campaign to the National Assembly for Wales where Assembly Members were asked to sign a pledge to support people with AS.
Ankylosing Spondylitis affects one adult in every 200. The average delay between onset of the disease and correct diagnosis is eight and a half years. NASS is calling for earlier diagnosis and for appropriate care and treatment for patients.
Darren said:
“I was pleased to welcome NASS to the Senedd as we all have an important role to play to raise awareness of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Early diagnosis and good treatment is vital as the average time until diagnosis in Wales is eight and a half years, which can severely effect the impact and effectiveness of treatment.”
Debbie Cook, Director of NASS said:
“We were delighted to take our campaign to Wales and for the first time to the National Assembly for Wales. This was an ideal opportunity to raise awareness of AS and to highlight our campaign for early diagnosis and a higher standard of care for patients.”
Guests also heard from rheumatology consultant Dr Zoe McLaren of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and S4C children’s presenter Tudur Phillips, who was diagnosed with AS two years ago.
