Rheumatology

The rheumatology department provides a full spectrum of services for all patients with musculoskeletal disease. In addition, specialist clinics provide the latest treatments for individuals with lupus and connective tissue diseases (Wessex lupus clinic), vasculitis, metabolic bone disease, juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritis.

Inpatient beds are available for those with severe illness. The service is run by a team of internationally recognised rheumatologists with expert rheumatology nurse practitioners. The department offers the full range of diagnostic facilities and procedures including joint aspiration and injection supported by a day case unit and infusion suite.

As we are a teaching hospital, we have excellent research facilities and patients have the opportunity to receive the most up to date treatments and take part in clinical trials. The latest bone densitometry scanners are available in the osteoporosis centre. There are strong clinical links with orthopaedics, respiratory medicine, paediatrics and gastroenterology within the hospital.

The hospital’s rheumatology service also provides a number of community based rheumatology clinics and help lines for individuals with inflammatory arthritis and lupus.

Consultants in the department specialise in:

• Osteoarthritis, back pain/neck, shoulder problems
• Osteoporosis and other metabolic bone disorders
• Connective tissue diseases such as SLE
• Vasculitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Seronegative spondyloarthropathy (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis)
• Paediatric rheumatology