Barrett critical of lack of arthritis rehab centre

ARTHRITIS Ireland Kerry Branch Tom Barrett has said that while no specialist rehabilitation centre available to Arthritis sufferers in Ireland, his branch is at hand to help sufferers in Kerry.

Following fast on the tracks of World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day (May 2), Mr Barrett was critical that no specialist facility is available to this day for people living with Arthritis, despite the huge impact it can have on people’s lives.

“Even though Arthritis is the greatest cause of disability in Ireland, resulting in most visits to a GP’s surgery, it is still not recognized as a serious physical, mental and life-threatening chronic illness, except by those who are living with the condition,” he told The Kerryman.

“People who are unfortunate to have a cancer diagnosis or who are unlucky to be involved in a serious work or road-related accident have the option of attending a rehabilitation unit, like Recovery Haven or the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dún Laoghaire after initial medical treatment in a hospital has finished, which will help them adapt to their new circumstances.

“Here they will have the opportunity to develop new coping skills, which will help them recover some lost function and regain their mental and social well-being.

“Patients with an arthritis diagnosis share similar devastating experiences and issues.

“Their whole life as they knew it – work, social, hobbies and family life – has changed completely for ever more, yet there is no specialist rehabilitation available to them,” he said.

Mr Barrett said that volunteer branches around the country have had to pick up the mantle, with his branch offering pain-management courses; helping to develop coping skills; and crucial exercise programmes.

The branch can also assist in providing relevant and up-to-date information to those who seek it out.

He explained that to contact the branch or obtain further information on its work, one should visit the ‘Arthritis Ireland Kerry Branch’ Facebook page.