The Rheumatology department specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of a wide range of conditions which affect the joints and surrounding tissues. Conditions treated include arthritis, osteoporosis, connective tissues and other systemic autoimmune diseases.
Patient Initiated Follow up (PIFU) – is where you can arrange a follow up appointment as and when you need it, for instance when your symptoms flare up, or if your circumstances change. If PIFU is available and suitable for you, your clinician will discuss this option, and if you are happy, they will ask you to arrange your appointments in this way in future – this is called Shared Decision Making.
PIFU 1
For conditions that may not need long term follow up but may intermittently flare, PIFU 1 allows you to initiate an appointment within a year.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, please contact us on 01539 716998:
- New swelling in one or more joints for more than 2 weeks
- Tender joints for more than 4 weeks
- Early morning stiffness which is not controlled by medication
- Suffering from medication side effects – nausea, rash, mouth ulcers, hair loss or shortness of breath
PIFU 2
If you have a known inflammatory disorder which may include being on treatment, PIFU 2 allows you to initiate an appointment, however if you do not require this you will still be recalled at the end of the 2 years for a review.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, please contact us on 01539 716998:
- New swelling in one or more joints for more than 2 weeks
- Tender joints for more than 4 weeks
- Early morning stiffness which is not controlled by medication
- Suffering from medication side effects – nausea, rash, mouth ulcers, hair loss or shortness of breath