Psoriasis Scotland Arthritis Link Volunteers PSALV wants the Scottish Government and health providers to recognise and work for the following:
- Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis to be classified and awarded chronic conditions status. It probably incurs the highest prescription charges of any chronic disease.
- Implement guidelines for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatment in Scotland.
- People must be able to expect and access expert diagnosis, referral and treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis throughout Scotland.
- Patient Pathways and self management training must be available for all who have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with appropriate access to dermatology and rheumatology clinics.
- Combined clinics for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis where dermatologists and rheumatologists are available in every health board area in Scotland.
- As 20% of GP appointments include skin disease and only 5% of GPs have postgraduate dermatology education and training. We demand priority status for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis diagnosis and treatment.
- Recognise that psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can and are disabling either temporarily or permanently. This requires a social and financial backup to enable people to access and comply with long term variable treatments that will continue till the day they die!
- Introduce psychological backup. Improve public awareness of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis especially with regard to social exclusion, discrimination and employment.