Rheumatology

Our rheumatology department includes an outpatient unit and day unit with integrated rehabilitation services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry and with support from appliances/orthotics.

The department also provides a bone densitometry service.

The rheumatology service at Northallerton includes clinics at the Friarage Hospital.

The department has links with the local primary care musculoskeletal service and the staff work closely with GPs and practice nurses in the area.

The department at James Cook runs daily outpatient clinics, in addition to other clinics in East Cleveland, Guisborough, Redcar, Whitby and Bishop Auckland.

We also have specialised nurse led clinics where disease modifying drug monitoring and education, information support and counselling are provided for patients.

The outpatient clinical nurse specialist also runs her own outpatient clinic, as well as supporting the clinics held in other hospitals.

The department has its own biologics nurse providing an assessment and monitoring service to patients requiring biologic treatments.

There is a weekly injection clinic for patients requiring joint injections in between their usual follow-up appointments.

All patients attending the department are requested to bring their appointment letter or card, and an up to date list of their medications to every visit.

Contacting the department

The department has its own telephone advice line which provides advice to patients, nursing and medical practitioners – 01642 854756.

Allied health professionals

The physiotherapy and occupational therapy services include a well-equipped physiotherapy unit and specialist splinting facility.

Occupational therapists in rheumatology can provide support with

Difficulties you may be having with your activities of daily living
Hand function
Hand splinting for pain reduction during activity and rest
Advice and education for difficulties with fatigue
Sleep and relaxation
Advice about looking after your joints

Rheumatology physiotherapy provides specialised treatment and management of people with over 200 rheumatological conditions including autoimmune conditions.

These can affect joints, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments which often cause pain, swelling and stiffness. Treatment addresses short and long term needs of adolescent and adult patients in the South Tees region.

Working alongside the multidisciplinary team, physiotherapy treatment is patient-centred and tailored to individual goals and functional need.

This may include advice, education, pain management strategies, a home exercise plan and physical activity promotion, assessment of walking and balance, wax bath therapy, aquatic therapy, acupuncture and, or signposting to support groups or further information.

Appointments may include face-to-face appointments, telephone consultations, online information and, or group activities.

Education

The department has a strong ethos of education for both staff and patients. Group education sessions are provided on a regular basis for patients with various conditions.

As well as consultant staff, other doctors working in the department include a registrar, junior doctors and GP registrars in training, and GP clinical assistants.

The department has good working relationships with local universities including Durham and Teesside. Members of the department have research interests in inflammatory joint disease and osteology.