Circle Health Group and Arthritis UK join forces to announce first ever Surgery Support Partner

Arthritis UK, the world's largest dedicated funder of arthritis research, has announced Circle Health Group as its very first Surgery Support Partner. This is a significant milestone, as it marks the first time in the charity's history that it’s collaborated with a hospital group. 

Peter James, Chief Medical Officer at Circle Health Group, explains what the partnership means to the charity: 

"Arthritis UK play an enormous role supporting those living with arthritis to access the support and resources they need to live the lives they want. To be named as their first ever surgery support partner is an honour."

During this year long sponsorship, we are helping to support the charity’s online community platform, ‘Arthritis Connect’. This platform provides those with the condition with a forum to ask questions, share experiences, and to connect with others who truly understand what it means to live with arthritis.

This collaboration between us reflects the shared belief that people with arthritis deserve better access to information, support, and a community at every stage of their journey.

What is Arthritis Connect?

Arthritis Connect is Arthritis UK's online community. It is a safe, welcoming space where people with arthritis can:

• Ask questions, no matter how big or small
• Share their experiences and read about others who truly understand
• Connect with people who know what it means to live with this condition day to day

For many people, this kind of community can be life changing. Arthritis can often feel isolating, particularly when those close to you, despite being supportive, don't fully understand the daily reality of the pain, stiff joints, fatigue, or the anxiety of waiting for treatment.

Arthritis Connect seeks to fill that gap. With Circle Health Group's support, the platform will now be able to reach even more people and offer more resources than ever.

Accessing Arthritis Connect is straightforward. You can sign up via a web browser or download the app. Visit for more information.

Understanding your options

As part of this new partnership, it is our goal to help patients understand what treatment options are available, what to expect, and how to weigh up your choices so you can make the decisions that are right for you.

Al Graham, Director of Income & Engagement at Arthritis UK, explains: 

"When patients are told they need joint replacement surgery, it can feel overwhelming. Understanding your options early on can help you feel more informed and in control."

Our support aims to help sustain the practical, everyday work that Arthritis UK does, from producing accessible health information to providing funding to assist with the running of the Arthritis Connect community. 

Mr Graham adds:

"This important collaboration  means we will be able to help more people with arthritis to live well, one of our charity's core goals."

Arthritis UK has been at the forefront of arthritis research for decades, having invested over £540 million into finding better ways to understand, treat, and ultimately defeat the condition. All support given to the charity helps feed directly into that mission to help the 10 million people living with arthritis in the UK.

Last year, we also showed our support for Arthritis UK by sponsoring the 2025 Research Highlight of the Year award. Find out more about the winning research here.

How we support people living with arthritis at Circle Health Group

At Circle Health Group, we offer highly specialised, tailored diagnostics and treatment for arthritis across over 50 of our hospitals nationwide. We have a vast network of industry-leading consultants who can offer a wide range of treatment options, from lifestyle management to surgical interventions. Our aim is to ensure you get the best treatment for your individual needs and start the journey to being your best self.

For more information about arthritis diagnosis and treatment at Circle Health Group, check out our website for more information or contact us via phone or online to book an appointment today.