We see children with a range of conditions including childhood arthritis, auto-immune connective tissue disease, vasculitis, idiopathic and mechanical musculoskeletal pain, hypermobility, over use and degenerative conditions and chronic pain syndromes.
We hold two outpatient clinics on the first and second Thursday of each month, but we can see you outside of these clinics if it is urgent. You can be referred through your GP or via other health professionals.
Contact details:
Children’s outpatient Clinic: 01709 307530
Where are clinics held?
Our clinics are held in the Children’s outpatient clinic, C level, opposite the maternity entrance, where there are dedicated nursing staff and a play therapist. The department is extremely child friendly and informal and nursing staff try to ensure your clinic visit is as positive as it can be.
What will happen at the children’s rheumatology clinic?
On entering the clinic, children and their parents or carers will be welcomed by the receptionist. The nursing staff will then weigh and measure the children and blood pressure may be taken.
Families can then take a seat in the waiting area until the doctors are ready to see them. Whilst they are waiting children can play and socialise with other children. Play and craft activities are provided by our play specialists.
All children and young people will need to undress to their underwear for the doctors to examine them. It is therefore important them to wear appropriate undergarments to prevent their embarrassment. It would be suitable to bring a pair of short shorts.
Future appointments will be organised as by the doctors. Nursing staff will let you know about any investigations that need to be done.
We work closely with other specialists such as Orthopaedic surgeons and Ophthalmologists to make sure that your child or young person receives the care they need locally. The clinical service is well supported by the rheumatology physiotherapists and occupational therapists and hydrotherapy is available in the hospital. The therapists will do school, college and home visits if needed.
The Community Children’s Nursing Team support children, young people and their parents and carers with a home visiting service and provide training, support and advice for those children on methotrexate therapy.
