World Arthritis Day 2021

That the Parliament acknowledges that 12 October 2021 is World Arthritis Day, a global initiative that helps to raise awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases; understands that over 1.5 million people in Scotland are currently living with arthritis or a musculoskeletal condition; understands that arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions can cause severe, often debilitating, pain and fatigue with significant impacts on a patient's quality of life; agrees that improving access to trauma and orthopaedic surgery can be vital to improving the livelihoods of people living with arthritis in Scotland; notes the view that waiting times for joint replacement surgery have been disproportionately impacted because of the response to COVID-19; believes that priority should be given to supporting patients who are awaiting surgery; further believes that the Versus Arthritis Six-Part Support Package for people waiting for joint replacement surgery is an adaptable model; recognises the vital work of the charity Versus Arthritis and organisations across Scotland in supporting people living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases, and hopes that World Arthritis Day will lead to additional support and investment targeted at people waiting for surgery.