Centre of Excellence in Northern Ireland?

[gemim]

Is there a centre of excellence for rheumatology patients in Northern Ireland? If not, where is the nearest one in the UK?

[Insomniacette]

Hi gemim

LupusUK lists the Centre of Excellence here: lupusuk.org.uk/centres-of-e...

Unfortunately it doesn't look like there is one in NI, but you will have seen from the responses to my post that many people have had very good local care and decent rheumatologists who look after them in their local departments so I certainly don't want to suggest all local care is bad. There is local care that is as good as the centres of excellence - it largely seems to depend on the individual rheumatologist and if you're lucky or not. I do think it's helpful to be aware of what the guidelines are though:

The British Society for Rheumatology Guidelines for Lupus (table 6 is helpful): bit.ly/3eQygdA

The British Society for Rheumatology Guidelines for Sjogren's (currently being revised): bit.ly/3eK6GyG

They also have guidelines for other rheumatic conditions and you can find them here: rheumatology.org.uk/practic...

The European League Against Rheumatism also has recommendations here: eular.org/recommendations_h...

Hope this helps!

[gemim in reply to Insomniacette]

Thanks so much for all the references. Always good to be informed!

[weathervane]

My rheumy is based in the BCH and MPH in Belfast , dermatology if needed is in the RVH, they have joint clinic in the BCH .

[gemim in reply to weathervane]

Thanks. It seems there is no Centre of Excellence in N. Ireland. Was just curious to know where they were located in the U.K. - all in England.