Bristol rheumatology department

[Frankiefarr]

Hi after appalling treatment at another hospital in another county my GP is referring me to Bristol. I wonder d if anyone is prepared to say what they are like?

[3LittleBirds2]

Hi Frankie, which hospital in Bristol are you being referred to the BRI or Southmead?

[Frankiefarr in reply to 3LittleBirds2]

Hi I don't know. They just said Bristol to me. Hopefully it might say when I get the letter

[Moomin8]

I've just read back on your appalling treatment! You should do more than complain; take it to the press!!!!

[Witness2]

I also transferred (back to my former hospital after moving from one county to another) and was SO relieved to discover that I could be treated by a rheumatologist of my choosing. My new county hospital was pathetic verging on negligent. Anyway, I am not a Bristol patient and I don't know about Southmead, but I do know members of the team there (professionally not as friends) and they are really patient-focussed. In addition, they've conducted important clinical trials and were responsible for all the research done into fatigue in RA - led by Prof John Kirwen who's sadly now retired. But I was struck by the real care shown to patients, in their presence and their absence. I hope you can request you go there - no insult intended to Southmead who might be every bit as good but I have no experience of them. I hope you find good care after your wretched experience. PALS are the people to complain to I reckon. Good luck.

[Fennella02]

I'm not sure what county you are in but, if your GP is prepared to send you to Bristol, I wonder why Bath hasn't been suggested? It's a leading rheumatology hospital. I live in South .somerset and was referred to Birmingham City Hospital which is 120 miles each way! The effort was worth it - the whole approach is very very professional. I haven't had any dealings with the BRI since Prof Dieppe's time which is over 25 years ago!

Good luck x

[AJhowell16]

I am under doctor Matthew Roy at Bristol, the whole team is brilliant. From my diagnosis 2 years ago to starting my biologics 3 months ago they have exceptional.

[Frankiefarr in reply to AJhowell16]

Which hospital is that?

[AJhowell16 in reply to Frankiefarr]

He is lead consultant at BRI and Hengrove

[AJhowell16 in reply to AJhowell16]

He is lead consultant at BRI and Hengrove hospital.

[AJhowell16]

Further to reading your story I feel we are very similar. I was diagnosed in November 2015 and was also strongly anti ccp positive and diagnosed with sero positive RA, I started the cobra pathway prednisolone,methotrexate,sulfasazaline etc, I was also put on 3 steroid infusions and had joint specific injections to Battle my swollen joints. A year down the line there was no improvement and I wasn't responding to methotrexate or steroids, I was put on a surgical waiting list for both shoulders and just had the first surgery yesterday, during this whole time my inflammatory markers were pretty normal but Dr Roy from south Bristol gave me Das score of 5.33 based on bloods and visual swelling I was started on benepali (enbrel) 3 months ago and it made an immediate difference, if you can get under Dr Matthew Roy care then do it the man is a solid caring professional who is willing to listen and make changes where needed, he will not give up on or let you give up on him.

[Dixiedeane147]

I attend bristol rheumatology

The've been amazing

My treatment has been very good.

Regards.

[Dixiedeane147]

Having just read the previous comments

I attend b.r.i. Rheumatology.

[Newjobnewlife]

I am both a nurse and a patient at united Bristol hospitals.

The treatment at the rheumatology centre is exceptional.thats not just because I work for the trust but the team is absolutely patient focussed .

You will be supported with evidence based care and there is an amazing support team.

I was knocked sideways by the diagnosis of rheumatoid disease but I have made amazing progress-thanks to their care.

[Gretchy]

This is good to hear. I'm not sure which Bristol hospital my GP has refered me to but I can ask him to refer me to a specific hospital if anyone knows which one x

[Newjobnewlife in reply to Gretchy]

I'm actually at the BRI but I'm sure that the south Bristol clinics are part of the same set up.

[Hidden]

I've heard from a friend they are very good

Southampton was not clever in diagnosing my friend - it took them about 3/4 years!

So good luck my friend

[KylaC]

I am a patient at Southmead Rheumatology. No particular issues and I find the physio and OT particularly helpful especially helping me stay active and continue with my full time job. My rheumy often sees me at other smaller places such as cosham and Yate (easier parking) so it is very flexible. Good luck.

[Gretchy]

I've been to Cosham before would be handy as near the motorway