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Rheumatology

Image for Rheumatology

Telephone

Helpline - (01384) 244789

Telephone 2

Inpatients - (01384) 456111 extension 1993/4681

Clinical Directorate

Ambulatory Medicine

Clinical Director

Professor George Kitas

Medical Service Head

Dr Karen Douglas

Matron

Julie Pain

Lead Nurse

Steph Mole

Information about the service

Image of Rheumatology staff memberThe rheumatology unit is one of the largest and busiest of the region and beyond.

The department is located across the three hospital sites and is a nationally and internationally renowned centre for research, focusing on cardiovascular aspects of inflammatory rheumatic disease.

Outpatient services are provided on all three sites with day case and dedicated inpatient facilities and services provided at Russells Hall Hospital. The service is multi-disciplinary with dedicated physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropody, orthotic and psychology sessions, supporting the medical and specialist nursing teams.

The service covers the full range of adult rheumatological conditions, from osteaoarthritis and soft tissue rheumatism to inflammatory arthritis and the complex systemic disorders such as connective tissue diseases and vasculitis. Osteoporosis assessment by DEXA and an osteoporosis clinic is held at Corbett Hospital.

The rheumatology team aims to work closely with the community and primary care settings to provide shared care for chronic arthritic patients. In addition to routine clinics, we also hold a large number of specialist clinics and combined clinics:

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus/CTD

  • Vasculitis

  • Sero-negative arthritis

  • Scleroderma

  • Osteoporosis

  • Diagnostic and interventional ultrasound in rheumatology

  • Dedicated ankle, foot, shoulder/elbow, hip and knee clinics (with orthopaedic colleagues)

  • With our medical and other colleagues (i.e. cardiology, chest medicine, renal medicine, sjoegren’s syndrome

Community-based or direct access resources include:

  • Dudley Arthritis Information and Support for You (DAISY)

  • Lupus drop in clinic

Rheumatology is split into three areas:

Ward B5 - 3 bed ward - (01384) 456111 extension 4202

Ward B5 - day case - (01384) 456111 extension 4684/4683

Ward B5 - inpatients - (01384) 456111 extension 1993/4681

Location

Ward B5 First floor, west wing, Russells Hall Hospital

Useful Links & Websites
Arthritis Care
 
Arthritis Research Campaign
 
Lupus UK