Rheumatology
Contact us
Telephone: 01227 868686 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm).
Change or cancel your appointment Contact a wardWhat we do
Our rheumatology department supports people with conditions which cause painful joints and muscles.
Conditions treated include:
arthritis causing inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis
lupus and other connective tissue diseases.
Resources
Rheumatology patient information libraryAbout your appointment
Our outpatient service will check if you have a rheumatological condition.
If we find that you do have a rheumatological condition, we will discuss a treatment plan with you. We will also offer support and follow-up care.
During your appointment, the nursing staff will chaperone and assist with any tests or checks that might need to be performed.
Please bring a list of the medications you are currently taking with you to the appointment.
You will also be assigned to a rheumatology consultant, or a member of their clinical team, who will be your point of contact for support.
Our consultants aim to see as many patients personally that they can. However, if your consultant is not available, you will be seen by one of the medical team that assist the consultant.
Medical students may attend some appointments, as part of their training to become doctors. If you would prefer a consultation without medical students, please let us know.
Where to find us
Our outpatient appointments take place at our three main hospital sites:
Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury
William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
We also hold some clinics at:
Royal Victoria Hospital, Folkestone
Estuary View, Whitstable
Buckland Hospital, Dover.
How to use this service
You need to be referred to us by your GP or another healthcare professional.
We aim to see all patients referred to us within 18 weeks of receiving the referral.
If you are a healthcare professional, you can find our referral information under the Rheumatology service on our referrals page.