Patient information

Find out what to expect when you come to hospital for your child's rheumatology appointment.

Before your appointment

We usually see patients within 12 weeks of receiving the referral, urgent cases can be seen quicker in our paediatric short stay unit.

For young children please remember to bring the child's 'red book'. If you have seen other consultants and have copies of the clinic letters it may be helpful to bring these with you.

Please also remember to check the appointment letter for anything specific you have been asked to take with you. In addition, it would be helpful if you could bring the following:

• your full address and telephone number(s)
• your appointment card and appointment letter
• your GP’s name and address
• a list of questions you may want to ask the consultant

During your appointment

Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so medical students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.

During the first appointment with us, we will take a detailed history of your child's condition and general health. We may also arrange for further investigations such as blood tests and imaging, including x-ray, MRI and ultrasound scans.

After your appointment

If there is a need for ongoing treatment we will plan, manage and coordinate your child’s care. Many of our patients are treated with subcutaneous methotrexate (administered by injection). If this is the case, a clinical nurse specialist will provide training for you and/or your child for self-administration.

We also work with community children’s nurses so patients can be treated nearer their home.