News

Bone and Joint Decade

Developments in Rheumatology

BONE AND JOINT DECADE
The BJD was initiated by the United Nations and the World Health Organisation to improve the health-related quality of life for people with musculoskeletal disorders. The BJD has 4 main aims ...
1. To raise public awareness of the growing burden of musculoskeletal disorders on society.
2. To promote education and empower patients to participate in their own bone and joint health care.
3. To promote cost-effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.
4. To advance understanding of musculoskeletal disorders through further medical and public health research.
BJD Brochure

In Australia
A Steering Committee of major organisations involved in musculoskeletal
disorders has been formed. The major organisations that endorse the BJD
include:
* Arthritis Foundation of Australia
* Australian Orthopaedic Association
* Australian Rheumatology Association
* Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society
* Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society
* Australian and New Zealand Society of Biomechanics
* Australian Physiotherapy Association
* Australian Musculoskeletal Imaging Group
* Australasian Faculty of Rehabiliation Medicine
* Matrix Biology Society of Australia and New Zealand
* Osteoporosis Australia
* Rheumatology Health Professionals Association
* Sports Medicine Australia

See BJD website under 'links'.

Developments in Rheumatology

RHPA Nurses Group
A steering committee comprising nurses from Qld, NSW, ACT, VIC & WA has been established to determine the requirements to fulfil a career pathway in rheumatology nursing. The Committee has acknowledged the growing area of the rheumatology nurse and the changes that have taken place with the emergence of new therapies and interventions. There is a need for better classification of the rheumatology nurse within the public and private sector, both in the metropolitan and regional areas. If anyone wishes to contribute towards this initiative please contact us.

Nurses Group Contact List:
Main contact and co-ordinator of Nurses Interest Group Committee:
Chris Downey (QLD) : chris_downey@health.qld.gov.au

Chris McMenamin (VIC) : christine.mcmenamin@austin.org.au
Anne Giles (NSW) : anne.giles@email.cs.nsw.gov.au
Sylvia Shepherd (NSW) : shepherdsylvia@yahoo.com.au
Kerry Cooper (NSW) : coopnroo@aapt.net.au
Catrina Boon (TAS) : catharina.boon@utas.edu.au
Helen Gilliam (QLD) : hgilliam@tpg.com.au
Judy Pitts (QLD) : judithpitts@optusnet.com.au
Bev Wilson (ACT): canberra_rheumatology@bigpond.com