VSM
Hospital

inflammatory joint disease such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), metabolic bone disorders such as osteoporosis, connective tissues diseases ……such as systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), and soft tissues rheumatism such as tennis elbow. Other conditions covered include gout, nerve entrapment (such as SCIATICA) and back pain. The main priority of the rheumatology department is the assessment and treatment of patients who may be developing an inflammatory arthritis such as RA. As rapid diagnosis and early treatment has been shown to improve outcome and dramatically reduce long-term problems, disability and loss of employment, we aim to see patients within two weeks from referral.

Sometimes the drugs used to treat inflammatory arthritis are quite complex, so every patient starting a drug for inflammatory arthritis is seen by a specialist nurse, who explains the diagnosis and treatment in detail. We offer a rheumatology advice telephone service so patients can phone if they have any questions