Rugby & Bulkington MP Mark Pawsey welcomed The Haemochromatosis Society to the borough on Friday, when he visited their new office in the town centre and learnt a little about genetic haemochromatosis (also known as GH or Iron Overload Disorder) and about the charity’s work.
The society has recently appointed Rugby resident David Head as Chief Executive and moved its office to the town, as part of a programme to grow the organisation and raise awareness of the condition. In conversation with David and GH patient Corrina Towers, Mark heard how iron overload is a surprisingly common but little known problem that can lead to liver failure, heart problems, severe arthritis, chronic fatigue, sexual dysfunction, diabetes and many other issues.
David said:
“I’m delighted with our new office in Rugby and it was kind of Mark to visit and show an interest in our work. We welcome his agreement to support us as we try to raise awareness and reduce the age of diagnosis of GH – treatment is simple and cheap once patients have been diagnosed. We know that if we can do this better not only can we reduce suffering and the number of fatalities, but we can significantly reduce the costs of all of the symptoms of GH to the NHS.”
After the meeting Mark remarked:
“I’ve learnt a lot this morning, I hadn’t realised how many medical problems can result from this one treatable condition. I hope to be able to work with The Haemochromatosis Society closely in the coming years to help raise awareness of the condition and of the excellent work the charity is doing here in Rugby.”