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Rheumatology patient helpline

Read our guide below to find out more about our Rheumatology patient helpline.

You can also download a PDF version of this patient information by following the link on the right.

Rheumatology patient helpline: 01296 255770

What is the telephone helpline service?

It’s an answerphone service run by the Rheumatology Specialist Nurses. It’s a service for patients under the care of the rheumatology team at the Trust for advice and information about your condition or medication.

You can leave a message on the helpline answerphone from Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) between 10am and 12 noon.

The helpline is NOT an Emergency Service.

If you have an urgent problem, you should contact your GP or other emergency services as appropriate.

When should I use the helpline?

  • If you’re experiencing a ‘flare’ of your symptoms and need information and advice.
  • If you think you may be having side-effects from your medication or from treatment administered in the rheumatology department.
  • If you have been asked to contact the department by one of the rheumatology team.
  • If you require information and advice which cannot wait until your next scheduled appointment.

What information should I leave in my answerphone message?

  • Please listen carefully to all the options.
  • Press option 4 for leaving a message for the Specialist Nurses
  • Please speak slowly and clearly and leave the following information:
    • your full name
    • your patient number (MRN) OR NHS number OR date of birth.
    • a phone number you can be contacted on for a return call.
    • a brief message about the problem or the information required.

When will someone get back to me?

  • We will usually call you back within 2 working days, but this may take longer at busy times.
  • The call back will be between 8.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).
  • Patients are responded to in date order and according to clinical need.
  • We will only make 2 attempts to return your call and the call may show as ‘withheld or unknown number’ on your phone.

Please note

  • Please do not leave duplicate messages or call the rheumatology secretaries.
  • Relatives or carers are welcome to leave a message but due to confidentiality we can only respond to the patient, unless we have explicit instructions that we may contact relatives on the patient’s behalf.

Useful numbers

Main hospital switchboard

01296 315000

General appointment queries

01296 838888

Radiology appointment queries

01296 316900

Occupational Therapy

01296 315097

Podiatry

01296 831110

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

01296 831120

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