Cowra will be the first community to host Arthritis Australia and the Australian Rheumatology Association's comprehensive education seminar on arthritis after a successful pilot in the New England area.
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The Rural Outreach Education Project, supported by Arthritis and Osteoporosis NSW, is designed to support the management and treatment of arthritis in regional communities by providing outreach specialist services and information for the community and health professionals.
Ainslie Cahill, CEO of Arthritis Australia said specific challenges facing regional communities as well as potential solutions, were highlighted in the organisation's recent strategic plan - Time to Move: Arthritis.
"We want people in Cowra to have access to necessary rheumatology services as well as quality information. Both are essential for helping them to manage their arthritis more effectively," she said.
Specialist services have increased in Cowra with a dedicated rheumatology clinic operating since the start of this year with Dr David Spencer, a leading Australian rheumatologist who spent his early years in Cowra.
He will be the keynote speaker at the Arthritis Community Education Seminar on September 26 as well as the Health Professional Seminar for GPs, nurses, physiotherapists and other health workers in the area on the same day.
"Recent research has shown that early recognition and treatment of arthritis, especially its inflammatory forms such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, provides the patient with a better result," said Dr Spencer.
"Early treatment, often within weeks of onset of symptoms, may result in virtual remission. Unfortunately, there has been a serious shortage of rheumatology services in the central west with a long wait for specialist appointments, but we're making headway.
"I have very fond memories of Cowra so I'm particularly pleased that local residents no longer have to wait for lengthy periods to see a specialist or travel long distances for diagnosis and treatment. These education seminars provide yet another aspect of arthritis care for the local residents."
Dr Spencer added that it was the enthusiasm of Arthritis Australia combined with the determination and welcoming approach by the doctors and staff at the Kendal Street Medical Centre that cemented his decision to come to Cowra.
The Arthritis Community Education Seminar will be valuable to people experiencing symptoms of arthritis as well as those already diagnosed with osteoarthritis and other forms of the condition.
"It's an opportunity for people to learn more about their condition, pain management techniques and lifestyle measures from a rheumatologist, physiotherapist and podiatrist," said Dr Spencer.
Places are limited so book early by calling 1800 011 041 before September 17.