This international summit in Edinburgh on the 3rd and 4th of October 2013 will bring together consultants and next generation rheumatologists to share and exchange clinical best practice through high-level discussion groups, debate and expert panel sessions. 

The summit will focus on four key topic areas:

Systemic lupus erythematosus convened by Prof David D'Cruz, Lupus Research Unit, St Thomas' Hospital, London

Scleroderma convened by Prof Christopher Denton, Royal Free Hospital, London

Rheumatoid arthritis convened by Prof Iain McInnes, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, probably Scotland top Rheumatologist, world expert on psoriatic arthritis, and a friend to PSALV and many patients

Ankylosing spondylitis convened by Dr Martin Rudwaleit, University Hospital Charité, Berlin

A key element of Clinical Rheumatology State of the Art will be the presentation of case reports submitted by delegates, as oral presentations or posters. The case reports will provoke debate and discussion on the management of complex cases. The event will give delegates the opportunity to discuss their practice and take away lessons which can be implemented immediately in a clinical setting. More information available here

PSALV's AGM is now confirmed for the 22nd of June at 1.30pm the the Jury's Inn, 43 Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh. We really hope that you might be able to attend, and look forward to seeing you there

The forthcoming ALLIANCE networking event, taking place at the Hub in Glasgow on the 20 June is on 'involvement'.
The event will include:
- Partnership approaches to involvement, using NES online module Emotion Matters as a case study. 
- Opportunities to share your organisations experiences of involving people in projects and your work.
- An overview of some of the ALLIANCE's key pieces of work and how to get involved in them

Email [email protected] for more information and to register.

This day summit will cover a range of contemporary issues facing those who govern public bodies as they attempt to guide their organisations through the challenging and turbulent years that lie ahead.

We have had confirmed by the Parliament Bureau that the day of the chronic pain debate will be Wed. 29th May, afternoon. There is a chance to hear MSPs from all Parties raise as many chronic pain issues as possible. This is a Government debate, arranged by the cabinet secretary for health, Mr. Alex Neil, who will outline the actions he proposes to take and the Opposition debaters likely to be led by Jackie Baillie MSP. 

This is a unique opportunity to come and hear such a debate as this will be the biggest debate on chronic pain ever in the Scottish Parliament. This time there will also be a vote at 5pm.

Tickets are available via The Scottish Parliament's website. We have been informed that it is best you hit the section "both afternoon time slots" rather than 2 - 4 or 4 - 6 pm. People can still leave the gallery when they choose. The Parliament just needs to see names and numbers for security purposes. 

Everyone who is interested in  chronic pain can attend , you do not need to be a member of the CPG.

The second of the national learning sessions for the Person-Centred Health and Care Collaborative will take place on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st May 2013 in Glasgow’s Scottish Exhibition Centre.  This event is for NHS, local authorities, third sector and people who use health and social care services and self-directed support. Registration is now open here

Bill Kidd MSP invites you to attend The Arthritis Care Scotland Professional Lecture “The 3R’s of Arthritis: Recognise, Respond, Relieve” at the Scottish Parliament, 6pm – 9pm, Thursday 16 May, 2013, Committee Room 1. As part of Arthritis Awareness Week, Arthritis Care Scotland's first professional lecture will inform policy makers and professionals about the latest ideas on tackling arthritis. Chaired by Scottish Society for Rheumatology chairman Dr Alan MacDonald, speakers include Dr Duncan Porter, Dr Philip Mackie and Arthritis Care Scotland Director, Angela Donaldson.

The evening will also offer the opportunity to discuss the wider issues surrounding living with arthritis with people of all ages who face these challenges on a daily basis, such as; patient choice, self-management, access, information and equality. RSVPs can be made to Joanne Moss, either by telephone on 0141 954 7776 or by email at [email protected].

The Cross Party Group on Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis invites you to a briefing and Q & A on 17th April 2013. Dr James Hogg, Deputy Medical Director for NHS Grampian, will deliver a lecture entitled 'Developing ways that technology can be used to help patients understand and manage a huge variety of conditions' which will be held from 6 - 8pm in the Committee Room 6 of the Scottish Parliament (entry via Horse Wynd, Edinburgh EH99 1SP). For any queries or if attending, RSVP (for security) to [email protected] 0131 348 5724