Launch of pilot scheme to help people with arthritis/osteoporosis [Audio]

This new program will help break down the traditional barriers and assist people with arthritis and osteoporosis.

30/3/99
In a national first a new pilot program has been launched in Western Australia to assist patients suffering from arthritis and osteoporosis.
Health Minister John Day said the State Government, in association with the Arthritis Foundation, had provided nearly $100,000 towards the program which would be used to provide patients with more information and education and strategies to help them cope.
Officially opening the new Multidisciplinary Assessment Clinic, where the pilot program will operate, Mr Day said the program (MATS) would provide patients with assessment, self-management and treatment for musculoskeletal disease.
Mr Day said that in a recent survey by the WA Health Department, nearly 20 per cent of the population was reported as having some form of arthritis as a long-term condition. In comparison, asthma was reported at 9.2 per cent and heart attacks
2.2 per cent.
"Arthritis affects infants, young people, sports enthusiasts, the middle aged, as well as the elderly," the Minister said.
"The new MATS program is an innovative concept that will provide quality care and assistance to help people overcome the debilitating effects of this disease and regain a quality of life.
"The MATS team is a dedicated group of specialists which includes orthopaedic surgeons, skeletal physicians, pain management consultants and other health professionals who will assist patients help themselves to regain their independence."
Mr Day said the MATS program was designed to:

• reduce hospital admissions;
• reduce pain;
• increase mobility and independence;
• increase health and wellbeing;
• prevent further disease progression; and -
• prevent deformity.

The Minister said access to the clinic would be through a referral from a GP and would be a free service for the patient.
He said the Health Department had supported the Arthritis Foundation of WA for many years with funding for both capital projects and to continue providing essential services for the community.
"I commend the Arthritis Foundation on breaking down the barriers in order to provide these patients with a community-based care program which is directly linked with expert specialist services," Mr Day said.
"This program is another example that the quality of health care in WA is one of the best in the world."
Media contact: Mark Thompson on 9213 6600