11 August 2022


I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved as a community over the last few months and would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who has made a contribution, including to the membership survey and wider BSR programme.

I was delighted to represent you all at #BSR22 in Glasgow, our first real face-to-face conference in over two years and first-time hybrid event. Jo Walsh and team put together a fantastic programme and are already working on the 2023 paediatric sessions. Abstracts for #BSR23 open 15 August and don’t forget among the awards is the paediatric abstract award and a student award to encourage the next generation of clinicians.

Education and learning opportunities
Make sure you book your place in Brighton 28-29 September for the Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology Conference (#PARC22). Thanks to Peter Bale and the team working with him to put together the programme that will include some joint sessions with the Adult Case-based conference that is co-located at the same venue.

Members can make a big saving on tickets and can apply for a bursary of up to £300 (eligibility rules apply) – If you’re not already a member it’s a great time to join. The networking opportunities, particularly for nurses and trainees, are always a highlight and I’m looking forward to seeing you all there.

Practice and Quality

We launched a new Myositis guideline earlier this year where for the first time, healthcare professionals are able to access evidence-based recommendations for paediatric, adolescent and adult patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). We’re also regularly meeting as a network to discuss PIFU, access to high-cost drugs and hope to liaise with the new CRG for paediatric and adolescent rheumatology.

We’re also working with UK Get It Right First Time (GIRFT), led by Nick Wilkinson on a dedicated paediatric and adolescent GIRFT that really captures key areas of service needed. I will be able to update you more about this at the Paediatric and Adolescent Conference in September.

BSR funded programmes

I’m delighted that 12 teams applied for the new JIA learning collaborative which aims to improve the quality of care for children and young people with new-onset JIA living across the UK. Six teams have joined the collaboration, and there will be opportunities to engage with the successful sites through the process so we can all benefit from the learning.

I’m sure you’ll also join me in congratulating Polly Livermore and Ginny Ward on their successful Future Leaders applications, we look forward to following their progress with this new initiative.

Elections

Finally, I’m keen to highlight my tenure as Vice President and the paediatric and adolescent community lead is due to end at the next AGM. A key piece of work over the next few months will be encouraging members to think about seeking nomination as the next Vice President and/or helping us to continue to build on our representation by joining a committee or the MDT Advisory Council.

Please do make sure you look out for communications. 2023 Election nominations will be open from 30 August to 16 September 2022. Please get in touch with me or Erin Taylor, Head of Membership for an informal chat.