Group to seek views of arthritis patients

The new group set up by the Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit at Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, aims to create a dialogue between clinicians and researchers and members of the public and carers.

Two meetings will be held on Monday at the hospital when presentations by experts from the unit will give an update on latest research. A discussion on the social and psychological impact of the condition will also be held.

Sue Smith, who manages the unit, said: "A major part of our work is looking at ways to improve the lives of people with osteoarthritis and we are really keen to establish a good dialogue so patients can be involved in working with us.

"This event will share the work we are doing and be an opportunity for patients to ask questions and get involved."

The research unit, set up in 2008 as a joint venture between the NHS and Leeds University, has attracted millions of pounds of research grants for internationally-recognised work including a 6m four-year grant from the National Institute of Health Research to translate research from the laboratory to the clinic.

It is the first research unit within Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust as part of a new move to establish research in the organisation.

A similar patient involvement group will be held on July 5 focusing on rheumatoid arthritis and further meetings are planned on connective tissue disorders, joint replacement and foot pain.

The meetings will be held on Monday at 1pm and 6pm in the unit in the former ward six at Chapel Allerton Hospital. Anyone with osteoarthritis is welcome to attend.