New plans for people on PIP and who have back, joint or muscle health conditions

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has new plans for people claiming PIP and who have back, joint or muscle health conditions. 17 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across England, including Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, will share part of a £3.5 million package to improve MSK services, reports BirminghamLive.

This is part of the Labour Party Government's drive to tackle economic inactivity. Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern MP, said: "For too long people locked out of work with health issues have been forgotten about and denied the support they need to get well and get working.

"It’s stifling our economy and preventing those eager to progress in life from unleashing their full potential. This multi-million-pound funding boost means musculoskeletal patients across the country will get the help they need, as we give clinical leaders the resources to innovate, get people off waiting lists and get Britain working again."

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The locations of the 17 ICBs taking part in the programme which also have some of the longest MSK 18 week waits are:

• Birmingham and Solihull ICB

• Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire ICB

• Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB

• Cheshire (NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB) ICB

• Cornwall ICB

• Devon ICB

• Dorset ICB

• Greater Manchester ICB - Manchester / Oldham

• Hampshire and Isle of Wight

• Leicester Leicestershire & Rutland ICB

• Norfolk and Waveney ICB

• North Central London ICB

• North East and North Cumbria ICB

• North East London ICB

• Northamptonshire ICB

• Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICB

• Sussex ICB

Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Versus Arthritis, said: "With over 20 million people living with musculoskeletal conditions, including 10 million with arthritis, Versus Arthritis understands the devastating impact these conditions can have on working lives.

"Arthritis can cause debilitating pain, joint stiffness and prevent people doing everyday tasks, with work sometimes made to feel an impossible challenge. MSK Community Services can be an invaluable resource for people with arthritis, and we are delighted to see the launch of this programme in dedicated sites across England, and in the future across the whole country."