Rheumatology advice line: 01592 648065
At the unit, we encourage individuals to adopt a self-management approach to their health by focusing support around what matters to the patient.
There are over 200 known rheumatic conditions that affect the joints, bones, muscles and connective tissues. Such conditions often cause inflammatory responses in individuals, resulting in irritation, pain and stiffness in affected areas of the body.
Like other diagnosed conditions, the nature of rheumatic conditions is influenced by biological, psychological and social factors. This means that it can change not only your physical health, but also how you feel and how you act around others. With this in mind, the service offers a holistic, person-centred approach to patients, with the patients’ needs at the centre of your experience. By asking what matters to you, the team can focus on the person, rather than the condition.
We aim to empower people to adopt self-management as the most effective long term way of managing their rheumatic condition. By taking control of your own health and wellbeing, you can develop practical strategies to successfully manage the symptoms of your condition and build the confidence to ask for support when you need it.
We are trained to support our patients in a number of different ways. Some of the things you may wish to ask about during appointments are:
- Understanding more about your condition
- Medication and joint injections
- Feeling more confident and in control
- Managing the physical aspects of your condition
- Talk about how you are feeling or if you are feeling isolated
- Options for support and signposting
By making these options for support available, it allows you to actively assess their needs and openly discuss with team members how you would like to be supported.
