25 November 2025
BSR was an early advocate for a Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) paediatric rheumatology review, given the momentum created by the adult rheumatology programme. The paediatric rheumatology review raises the profile of an often overlooked area of care that, when done well, has a profoundly positive impact on the health, wellbeing and futures of children and young people.
BSR is delighted to endorse this report. Dr Flora McErlane and Dr Gavin Cleary alongside expert clinical advisers have mapped a comprehensive picture of paediatric rheumatology care, celebrating areas of best practice but also highlighting where we could do better. They have created the platform for improvement at national and local level, providing an opportunity to make change to the benefit of young people and their families.
Their work adds to a now rich body of knowledge about where and how paediatric rheumatology services need to improve. This report builds on the excellent NCEPOD inquiry into JIA care and BSR’s JIA quality improvement collaborative. It is vital that we support local clinical teams to use this moment by turning recommendations into accessible and practical resources and approaches for widespread adoption. If we do, we can expect profound improvements for children and young people and the life ahead of them.
BSR stands ready to support this next phase. We have already started work on the development of a JIA guideline which will address the needs of children, adolescents and adults with JIA and support the delivery of the highest standards of care. Working with our partners at GIRFT, our community of clinicians in paediatric rheumatology, and patient organisations, we will continue to champion the specialty and enable professionals to provide exceptional care.
To learn more about the GIRFT review and next steps for paediatric rheumatology, GIRFT will be hosting a webinar on 25 November, featuring Dr Gavin Cleary, Dr Flora McErlane, and other experts, where they will share their findings and discuss practical approaches to improving care.