The way we use patient data is changing: We aim to provide the highest quality care. To do this, we routinely collect information about you and the care you receive from us. Like other hospitals across England, we are changing how we share and use this data… Find out more

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust Logo

Rheumatology


Rheumatology is the branch of medicine that looks after rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. These diseases are usually caused by problems in the immune system, inflammation, infections, or the gradual deterioration of joints, muscles and bones. The service covers the full range of adult rheumatological conditions, from osteoarthritis and soft tissue rheumatism to inflammatory arthritis and complex systemic disorders, such as connective tissue diseases and vasculitis. Osteoporosis assessment by a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan and an osteoporosis clinic are also part of our service and are held at Corbett Outpatient Centre. We hold routine clinics, specialty clinics and combined clinics with medical colleagues (chest physicians, renal physicians and dermatologists) and surgical colleagues (orthopaedic and ENT surgeons and ophthalmologists).

 

How to access the service

Outpatient services are provided on three of our Trust’s sites (Russells Hall Hospital, Corbett Outpatient Centre and Guest Outpatient Centre) with day case facilities and services provided at Russells Hall Hospital. The service is multidisciplinary with dedicated physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropody, orthotic and psychology sessions, supporting the medical and specialist nursing teams.

The rheumatology team aims to work closely with the community and primary care settings to provide shared care for chronic arthritic patients. Patients need to be referred to us via their GP, who must use the e-Referral Service. Referrals are triaged daily into urgent, suspected inflammatory arthritis or routine appointments.

We are delighted to provide an Advice and Guidance service to GPs. If a patient is already under the follow up care of a consultant rheumatologist, please contact that consultants’ secretary, if you need to get in touch.

Flowers digital art

This service is available at: Russells Hall Hospital

Where to find us: Clinical Research Unit, North Wing, Russells Hall Hospital

Telephone numbers – Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number: 01384 456111

Dr Karen Douglas – Consultant

Dr Nicola Erb – Consultant and Deputy Clinical Director

Dr Rainer Klocke – Consultant

Dr Rav Sandhu – Consultant

Dr Holly John – Consultant and Medical Service Head

Dr Elizabeth Hale – Psychologist

Dr Andrew Whallett – Consultant

Dr Adrian Pace – Consultant

Sr Steph Mole – Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist

Julie Walklate – Matron

Sharon Petford – Lead nurse

Flowers digital art

This service is available at: Russells Hall Hospital

Where to find us: Clinical Research Unit, North Wing, Russells Hall Hospital

Telephone numbers – Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number: 01384 456111

Dr Karen Douglas – Consultant

Dr Nicola Erb – Consultant and Deputy Clinical Director

Dr Rainer Klocke – Consultant

Dr Rav Sandhu – Consultant

Dr Holly John – Consultant and Medical Service Head

Dr Elizabeth Hale – Psychologist

Dr Andrew Whallett – Consultant

Dr Adrian Pace – Consultant

Sr Steph Mole – Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist

Julie Walklate – Matron

Sharon Petford – Lead nurse