Rheumatology

Rheumatology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the joints, bones, muscles, soft tissues, connective tissues and immune system. This includes over 200 conditions.

We provide comprehensive management of all Rheumatological conditions, including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Reactive Arthritis, Gout, Connective Tissue Disorders such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren’s Syndrome and Scleroderma, Vasculitis, Myositis, Osteoporosis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR), Temporal Arteritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis.

We work closely with colleagues in other specialties for the management of conditions which affect multiple systems in the body.

Key contact numbers

Advice line (this is an answerphone service, please leave a message)

King George Hospital 020 8970 8408

Fracture Liaison Service 01708 435 000 extension 3219

Reception

King George Hospital 020 8970 8190

Brentwood Community Hospital 01277 695 104

Appointments (use this number if you need to cancel or change an appointment)

020 8970 4700

What types of treatment are available?

We offer a full range of treatments for all Rheumatological conditions, including drug treatments, joint and soft tissue injections and ultrasound guided injections. 

We provide a biologic treatment service.  Biologic drugs are specialised treatments which target specific parts of the immune system to control inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. They are given by injection or an infusion into the vein.

We have close links with physiotherapy and hand therapy for the additional treatment of certain conditions.

Key staff

Clinical lead Dr Louise Daniels

Lead nurse Ratidzo Maboreke

Our consultants

  • Dr Louise Daniels
  • Dr Teresa Doherty
  • Dr Shabina Habibi
  • Dr Myo Lynn
  • Dr Neil Perera
  • Dr Euthalia Roussou
  • Dr Thushani Wickramaratne

Our doctors

  • Dr Sharmi Williams
  • Rheumatology Registrar

Our nurses

  • Natasha Banja
  • Karen Bowmer
  • Janice Leahy
  • Pat Lewis
  • Ratidzo Maboreke
  • Sariyu Mogaji
  • Diana Simeon
  • Janette Viterbo
  • Dee Tomasso (osteoporosis specialist nurse)

Preparing for your rheumatology appointment

All clinics

Please bring your appointment letter and a list of your current medications.

You should allow at least 30 minutes for parking.

You will have a set of observations on arrival for your appointment and will be asked to produce a urine specimen, so please ask the clinic nurse for a specimen pot if you need to use the toilet before this has happened.

Early arthritis clinics

You will be sent a form to complete before attending your appointment. This collects information about your previous medical history, medications and the impact your symptoms are having on your daily life and work. 

You will also be asked to attend for a blood tests and x-rays at least one week prior to your appointment, to allow more comprehensive assessment of your condition when you are seen in clinic.

Our clinics

Our clinics are held across a number of sites including Queen's Hospital, King George Hospital and Brentwood Community Hospital.

Nurse-led-clinics for drug counselling and drug reviews, for both disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological treatments with consultant supervision, are running daily at both Queen’s and King George hospitals.

Early Inflammatory Arthritis Clinics (service lead, Dr Louise Daniels)  

These clinics are run daily at either King George Hospital or Queen’s Hospital, for the rapid assessment (within three weeks of referral) and treatment of patients with symptoms suggestive of a new onset inflammatory arthritis.

Fracture Liaison Service (run by Dee Tomasso osteoporosis specialist nurse and Dr Thushani Wickramaratne)

This service aims to identify patients who are at risk of secondary fractures and osteoporosis. A DEXA scan will be arranged as necessary and patients are followed up the same day in nurse-led clinics. 

We provide a telephone advice line Monday to Thursday, answering machine out of hours. Referrals are accepted from inpatient and outpatient medical staff, GPs and patients may also self-refer via the telephone advice line. 

Research clinics

These clinics are held on Monday and Friday mornings at King George Hospital, and Tuesday and Thursday at Queen’s Hospital.  

Rheumatology and obstetrics combined (ROC) clinic

These clinics are held at Queen's Hospital in the Ante Natal Unit, on the first Tuesday of the month, by Dr Euthalia Roussou and Miss Asma Aziz.

Combined hand clinic

This is held on the third Tuesday of the month at Queen's Hospital, by Dr Euthalia Roussou and plastic surgeon, Mr Manu Sood.

Making a referral to our service

Useful links and support information

Support and further information

Arthritis Research UK www.arthritisresearchuk.org

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) www.nras.org.uk

Arthritis Self-help Network London www.arthritis-selfhelp.org

National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS) www.nass.co.uk

Lupus UK www.lupusuk.org.uk

Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Association www.raynaud’s.org.uk

British Sjogren’s Syndrome Association www.bssa.uk.net

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA) www.papaa.org.uk

Fibromyalgia Association UK (FMA UK) www.fibromyalgia-associationuk.org

National Osteoporosis Society www.nos.org.uk

Disability Employment Advisers

Your local Jobcentre or Jobcentre Plus office can put you in touch with your local Disability Employment Advisor.

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