Rheumatology

Consultants:

Dr J Nixon, Dr T Barnes

This service provides our patients with the highest quality of integrated care for their disease. The team consists of two Consultants, two Nurse Specialists, a Research Nurse, Specialist Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Podiatrist. Two part time GP's and a part time Specialist Registrar are also included in the team.

Rheumatology Clinics

Outpatient clinics are held weekly. Specialist clinics include the following:

• Connective tissue disease
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Scleroderma
• Early arthritis clinic
• Biologics clinics

Extended Services

A telephone advice line for patients and fellow professionals was established in 2002. Joint clinics are held with orthopaedic and plastic surgery colleagues. Orthotic services are available on site.

Inpatient Care

Ward inpatient care is rarely needed because of more effective treatment. Day care is increasingly used for intravenous drug treatments.

GP Shared Care

Our GP's are closely involved in shared protocols for drug monitoring.

Patient self help

Continuing patient education and an exercise programme at the local sports centre encourages patients to manage their condition themselves and make informed treatment decisions. Further clinical support is provided by the Nurse Specialists providing treatments, advice and support for Rheumatology patients.

Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy & Podiatry

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists help people resume an active and independent life both at home and at work.

Using a variety of methods they can treat and offer advice on:

• Pain relief
• Exercises
• Mobility
• Coping strategies

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational Therapists promote health and well being ensuring that maximum function and independence in everyday tasks are achieved.

On your first attendance, it would be helpful to bring along any previously made splints and a list of problems experienced with daily living activities.

The following website links may be useful in providing further information on physiotherapy and occupational therapy:

www.arc.org.uk

www.csp.org.uk

www.cot.co.uk

www.hpc.uk.org

www.rheumatoid.org.uk

www.arthritiscare.org.uk

Rheumatology Podiatry Service

The Rheumatology Podiatrist role is to assess, diagnose and treat foot problems. Podiatric care aims to

• Reduce foot pain
• Prevent further damage
• Maintain and where possible improve mobility

Patients will be referred to the Rheumatology Podiatrist by the members of the Rheumatology Team. Rheumatology Podiatry clinics are held at both the Countess of Chester Hospital and Ellesmere Port Hospital

More information about podiatry in rheumatology can be found at:

www.rheumatoid.org.uk

www.feetforlife.org

Rheumatology Nurse Specialists

Ms Emma Mulvey and Ms Cath Brownsell are Registered Nurses with extensive experience in rheumatology. Both have MSc degree qualifications in Rheumatology Nursing and are Independent Non Medical prescribers.

They…

• give advice and support about your arthritis management
• help you learn about drug treatments for your arthritis
• monitor how your drug treatments are working
• will review your care in clinic
• work closely with other members of the rheumatology team and refer as necessary ( e.g. podiatry)
• manage the rheumatology advice line for health professionals and patients under the care of the rheumatology consultants at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
• provide education, information and support on living with your rheumatological condition.

For further information on the role of the Rheumatology Nurse Specialist visit www.arc.org.uk

Rheumatology Research Nurse Janet Kay ( Registered nurse)

Janet is an experienced research nurse who will

• Recruit and monitor patients entering research trial
• Give information and education about research trials
• Ensure patient safety during research trials

Clinic Nurses, Registered Nurse. Karen Horner

• Provides care and support during your rheumatology clinic visit.
• Co-ordinates the smooth running of clinics

Rheumatology Nurse Specialist Advice Line 01244 366510.

Please call between 9am and 1pm Monday to Friday.