goto homepage

Worcester Rheumatology Outpatient Department

The Rheumatology Outpatient Department at Worcestershire Royal Hospital is situated in Aconbury West (the building behind the bridge on the right). There is a car park, although spaces are allocated for disabled badge holders and it is usually very busy. There is another car park situated near the main entrance of the hospital, however this does become very busy and at times can take up to 45 minutes to find a space. It would be beneficial if someone could drop you off outside the Rheumatology Outpatient Department or to get a bus.

The Rheumatology Outpatient Department is open from 8:30hrs – 17:00hrs Monday to Friday. It is closed on weekends and bank holidays. It is managed by a dedicated and knowledgeable team of nurses and health care assistants; SR Angie Lord, SN Sheiya Joy, SN Ethel Gragasin, Registered Nurse Associate Sam Gower, and HCA Sharon Bahajou.

The Rheumatology Department also provides clinics at Kidderminster Hospital, Alexandra Hospital, Evesham Community Hospital and Malvern Community Hospital.

What happens when I arrive?

On your arrival into the Rheumatology Outpatient Department for your appointment you should approach the front desk and you will be greeted by our receptionist. The receptionist will confirm your details and ask you to take a seat. There are likely to be a number of different rheumatology clinics running simultaneously. A member of the Outpatient team will then take you into a room to take observations such as blood pressure and weight. A urine sample is also often needed to test. Prior to coming to clinic if you can obtain a urine sample that is beneficial. A list of your current medications is also very helpful for the doctor or specialist nurse. If you are having an ultrasound scan or a joint injection observations are not required. You will then be asked to take a seat before being called in by the clinician you are scheduled to see.

What happens during the consultation?

At the time of your appointment the Doctor or Specialist Nurse will call you into their consulting room. A clinical assessment will be performed which will include a physical examination and a range of questions. There may be a medical or nursing student present as these clinics are an important part of their education. You have a right to decline the student being present without any impact on your care.

If you would like a chaperone during your consultation or for any part of it, please do not hesitate to ask the Doctor or Specialist Nurse and one of the Outpatient team would be more than happy to assist. There are many leaflets and reading materials available on different conditions and medications. The Doctor or Specialist Nurse will ensure you are given all of the appropriate ones as it is hard to remember everything in a consultation.

Whilst the department strives to keep to time, some consultations can take longer than expected, so there may be delays to your appointment time. We advise you bring a book or magazine. Drinking water is available; please ask one of the nurses or health care assistants.

The Doctor or Specialist Nurse may have requested for you to have a blood test or an X-ray.  Blood tests can usually be performed within the department by one of the team of nurses or health care assistants. X-rays are carried out in the main hospital on level 1.

Following your consultation with your Doctor or Specialist Nurse it may have been recommended for you to have a steroid injection either into your joint or an intramuscular injection. The steroid intramuscular injection can be administered by one of the nurses after your consultation. The steroid joint injection will be arranged for another date and an appointment letter will be sent to you in the post.

You may have been given a form by the doctor or specialist nurse to hand into reception; this is to ensure the next appointment for you is booked.

Can I ask questions?

We encourage you to ask questions during your time with us. The Rheumatology outpatient department team are more than happy to answer any questions and if we do not know the answer we will try our best to find out. You are also encouraged to ask questions during your consultation, it may be helpful to write a couple down before you come.

Can I bring someone?

It is best to attend the consultation on your own due to Covid 19. If you have brought someone they can wait in the reception area. If you need a carer they will be able to come into the consultation with you.