Dr Geraint Brown, Consultant Rheumatologist at East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust, has been recognised as a Changemaker Winner for his exceptional work in creating and running a dedicated arthritis service.
He received the prestigious accolade at a ceremony hosted at the Palace of Westminster, organised by the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS).
Ankylosing Spondylitis (Axial SpA) is a type of arthritis which affects the joints of the spine. This debilitating condition leaves individuals suffering from increasing pain and exhaustion. The condition typically emerges in late teens to early twenties, but delays in diagnosis can lead to irreversible damage, severely impacting quality of life.
The Changemaker Awards are part of the NASS ‘Act on Axial SpA’ campaign which aims to reduce the average time to diagnose this form of arthritis from 8 and a half years to just one year.
Dr Brown has been instrumental in improving access to specialised care for individuals with Axial SpA in the East and North Hertfordshire region. His dedicated arthritis service ensures that patients receive timely diagnoses and effective management strategies, significantly enhancing their quality of life.
Dr Dale Webb, CEO of NASS, praised the winners, stating:
“We’re proud to announce the winners of the second round of NASS Changemakers to publicly recognise some of the incredible healthcare professionals who are driving change at local, regional, and national levels. The delay in diagnosis can have a profound effect physically and mentally on patients, often causing irreversible damage and costing billions to the economy. The impact of this work cannot be underestimated.
“Dr Brown’s achievements in rheumatology highlight the dedication and innovation required to bring about meaningful change in patient care, ensuring individuals with Axial SpA receive the attention and support they need much earlier in their medical journey.”
