Rheumatology at York

Medical Team:

Specialist Nursing Team:

Allied Health Professional Team:

Outpatient Nursing Team:

Medical Elective Suite Team:

Management Team:

The aim of the rheumatology specialist nurse role is to enable patients to maintain their physical, psychological and social wellbeing. This is achieved in a variety of ways including:

• Supporting patients at the time of diagnosis and providing ongoing support
• Providing patient education
• Providing counselling and monitoring for medications
• Co-ordinating care and referring to other health professionals as required

The Rheumatology Specialist Nurses in York offer an expert service and work closely with the Rheumatology Consultants and other Rheumatology Health Professionals to manage a caseload of patients and will:

• Review patients in clinic to assess the effectiveness of the current management plan, change treatment where indicated and provide ongoing education and support
• Provide advice by telephone or email to provides patients and health professionals with access to an expert clinician who is able to advise on all aspects of rheumatology care
• Assess, monitor and support patients receiving disease modifying and biologic therapies
• Refer to and liaise with other health professionals as required
• Provide a link between hospital and community services and liaise with voluntary organisations

The Rheumatology Specialist Nurses in York aim to deliver a continually evolving service for inpatients and outpatients with inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue disease by:

• Leading in the development, implementation and audit of nursing guidelines, standards, policies, protocols and care pathways within rheumatology
• Collaborating in the development of other documents within the Trust
• Working locally, regionally and nationally to develop the role as indicated by current and emerging evidence base, providing advanced nursing expertise and leadership at strategic level
• Delivering appropriate training and teaching for healthcare professionals within the hospital or community setting

York and Selby Podiatrists are all employed by Harrogate and District Foundation Trust but work from locations throughout the York and Selby area. Within this team there are Podiatrists that have special interest in Rheumatology.

We work with the Rheumatology department providing in depth foot assessments, diagnosis and treatments for those patients with foot problems in order to optimise foot function and comfort. We will act as another monitor for disease activity and refer back to Rheumatology when needed. Vascular and neurological tests are carried out as part of the assessments and again referrals will be made to appropriate specialists.

Treatments may include orthotics, padding and strapping, exercises, or wound care for those with current ulcerations or other active problems.

Referrals to Podiatry can be made via Rheumatology or your own GP.

The department can be contacted at White Cross Court, off Huntington Road by:

• Telephone - 01423 542300
• Email - hdft.podiatry@nhs.net

We are involved in a number of local, regional, national and international research studies.

You may be asked whether you would like to participate in one or more of these studies.

The York Rheumatology department has an expanding research portfolio. The research allows doctors and patients to gain access to and experience new cutting edge treatments. The research undertaken contributes to the development of our understanding of rheumatology conditions and the optimal management of our patients.

Our portfolio includes different types of studies at different stages of the research, varying from Observational studies to Clinical Trials of Investigational Medicinal products. Almost all of the research we do involves licensed and approved treatments for arthritis, but looks at using them differently or sometimes earlier looking to improve outcomes for patients. We are starting to get involved in studies using treatments not yet licensed in the UK. We hope this will allow patients in York to gain from exciting research developments in the world of rheumatology.

There are several reasons why patients may benefit from taking part in research including:

• A new treatment may be effective in treating the condition improving day to day life.
• May gain earlier access to treatment than those being treated routinely.
• Participation in a Clinical Trial may bring benefit to others in the future.
• A feel good factor that taking part in research may help find a cure for the disease.
• May meet others suffering from the same disease whilst taking part in research. Talking with other patients experiencing similar health problems can be beneficial.

Within the York Rheumatology Research Team we have the following members:

• Consultants
• Research Nurse
• Clinical Trials Assistant
• Rheumatology specialist nurses
• Rheumatology Specialist Registrar
• Rheumatology Coordinator

If you have already been referred to the department and seen one of the team within the last year, then you can contact the department directly. If not, you need to see your GP and talk to them about whether a referral to the department is appropriate.

Clinic appointments

If you want to change or check an appointment, please phone the Contact Centre: 01904 726400

Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy appointments

If you want to change or check an appointment, please phone the Therapy Department: 01904 725389 or725390

Podiatry appointments

If you want to change or check an appointment, please phone 01904 724222 or email hdft.podiatry@nhs.net

Support and advice about your condition or treatment

If you need support and advice about your condition and treatment, contact the Rheumatology Advice Line: 01904 721854

You should leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Don't forget to leave your name, telephone number and hospital number or date of birth.

Click here for more information about the Rheumatology Advice Service.