This section looks at some great initiatives, projects and equipment that the Haywood Foundation has funded to benefit people with arthritis and related conditions.
Our volunteers work in the PIER (patient information and educational resource) which is located in the foyer of the Haywood Hospital. The PIER is easily accessible and provides a wealth of information for all service users.
In 1997 the Haywood Foundation made a donation to the hospital, to fund a DXA scanner at a cost of £89,500. The scanner is used to measure bone density and diagnose osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones are weaker and may be more likely to break after a trip or fall.
This purchase was very important to the patients of North Staffordshire. Before the installation of the scanner, patients had to travel to Oswestry or Cannock for a scan.
The purchase has sowed the seeds for development of a specialist osteoporosis interest at the hospital. Now, the Haywood is home to the specialist Haywood Metabolic Bone Centre, which includes the osteoporosis and fracture Liaison Service (fracture prevention).
The service now:
The Foundation funds locally based research projects related to arthritis and related conditions.
Examples of completed funded projects below:
A previously funded study focused on the role of epigenetic factors (factors which cause changes to the DNA/genes) in the development of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). For the first time, they discovered previously unknown disease-specific changes to the DNA in T-cells and B-cells from patients with RA. Identification of these new targets contributed to a better understanding of the factors involved in joint inflammation and damage, and will be important for the development of new therapies.
The INCLUDE study led by Professor Samantha Hider, was focused on whether it was possible to undertake a nurse led review in primary care for people with one of five common inflammatory conditions (including rheumatoid arthritis, PMR, GCA, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis) that would look for and help people manage common conditions that occur with arthritis such as heart disease, anxiety and depression and osteoporosis. The study showed that other conditions were common. Patients found the review to be acceptable and helpful and people having a review were more likely to be receiving treatment for these other conditions at follow up. This initial funding has enabled further research funding from the West Midlands Clinical Research Network.
The Foundation funds locally based research projects related to arthritis and related conditions.
Examples of ongoing funded projects below:
This study, led by Dr Zoe Paskins, aims to develop and test a new computer tool for clinicians to use in consultations, to support conversations about osteoporosis medicines. This tool will include pictures to better describe a patient’s personal fracture risk, how this risk would improve with treatment, and explain the possible harms of treatment. The tool will be tested in a trial to see if it is acceptable and practical to deliver. The initial funding from the Foundation, enabled this study to gain further grants from the Royal Osteoporosis Society and the National Institute for Health Research.
The foundation has funded two linked studies to examine the impact of COVID 19 on people with inflammatory arthritis such as Rheumatoid Arthritis. First, Professor Sarah Ryan is leading an interview study to explore how the pandemic has affected the lives of people living with RA. Second, the Foundation has funded a survey of people with inflammatory conditions, led by Professor Samantha Hider to explore the impact of the pandemic on people’s health, wellbeing and how they manage their arthritis.
June Brammar Honorary Secretary
Haywood Rheumatism Research & Development Foundation
Haywood Hospital
