A worsening shortage of medical specialists will make it more difficult for arthritis patients in our province to receive the care they need.

In addition to this move Eastern Health is currently notifying patients who suffer from chronic non-inflammatory conditions, and their referring practitioner, that they are being referred back to the family physician to manage their condition. In other words, those suffering from arthritis may be removed from the current wait list. It has been said that when more reasonable wait times are achieved for patients suffering from acute inflammatory conditions, the rheumatology team will again accept referrals for chronic non-inflammatory conditions.

The Arthritis Society is very disappointed with this move. People will not get the services that they need.

We ask that if you are one of these people please take action.

You can:

Write a letter to The Minister of Health and Community Services outlining your situation and the importance for you to receive timely care. The Government must have your personal stories, your personal struggles, to know that arthritis can be a debilitating disease. If you don’t tell them, who will?

• Copy the letter to The Arthritis Society and Premier Williams
• Address the letter to:
  Minister Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services
  1St Floor, Confederation Bldg., West Block
  St. John’s NL, A1B 4J6

Sample Letter – General Awareness
Sample Letter – Rheumatologist Shortage

Speak to the Media.
We have many requests from reporters to speak to those who are being directly affected by Dr. Setty’s departure, or who have been removed from the wait list. If you are in one of these situations and are comfortable speaking to the media please contact us. Speaking out is extremely important and hopefully will evoke change. It is also important to let everyone know that arthritis is a serious disease and it is not just aches and pains. Arthritis can be managed so that people can lead happy and healthy lives but those with arthritis need timely care to ensure that this can happen. If you are someone who would feel comfortable speaking to a reporter please contact Brenda Kitchen at 579-8190 or 1-800-321-1433 or bkitchen@nl.arthritis.ca

Drug Plan
Due to the recent media buzz questions are also being raised about the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug program. If you are someone who cannot get the drugs you need due to financial barriers and / or do not qualify for the NL Prescription Drug Program please contact Brenda Kitchen at 579-8190 or 1-800-321-1433 or bkitchen@nl.arthritis.ca. The Society must know what’s happening so we can help advocate for you to get the services you need.

This page was last reviewed/updated on : 02/02/2010