Rheumatologist in London

[enthusiatjc]

Hello, I am fairly new to London and have to visit a Rheumatologist soon. I have been given a referral letter by the GP, but wasn't recommended a particular Rheumatologist. I'd love any suggestions or opinions on whom I can visit?

Thanks!

Jaya

[veg_c2000]

Whereabouts in London are you (North, South, East West)? I love the Hammersmith Hospital team (they've moved everyone from Charing Cross). V

[enthusiatjc in reply to veg_c2000]

I'm in central London (old street/barbican area), but I'm willing to go anywhere for a good rheumatologist. I will look into the Hammersmith hospital, thanks so much!

[Caza in reply to enthusiatjc]

Highly recommend The Royal Free.

[enthusiatjc in reply to Caza]

Thanks Caza

[dhall54 in reply to enthusiatjc]

I go to Guys Hospital - which is excellent. And quite near you

[enthusiatjc in reply to dhall54]

Thanks

[Tillie20]

Hi I live in Chelsea and attend Chelsea & Westminster hospital not sure about that side of London x

[Entero]

Hi, I’m wondering if you’re looking for a specific name?

I see Colin Tench at St Mary’s (and London Bridge); I don’t love him but he’s OK and my gastroenterologist who’s a prof at Imperial recommended him so he’s well rated.

Another friend on here sees Dr Mackworth- young (?) at Hammersmith and really likes him.

Good luck 😊

[enthusiatjc in reply to Entero]

Thanks Entero, yes names are definitely helpful. I'll look into the doc at Hammersmith

[Fra22-57]

I see Professor David D Cruz at London Bridge at Guys.he is lovely n so thorough. In fact I am seeing him again today

[enthusiatjc in reply to Fra22-57]

That's good to know. Guys is not far for me. Thanks so much

[nessa11]

Hello Jaya

I live in south west London and go to University College Hospital. I was given a choice by my GP. They seem good. I first went at end of October and since then they have been really attentive - 1 Dr appointment. 2 hand therapy sessions and 2 Physio appointments. Also assigned a nurse who I have met. I had an allergic reaction to sulfasalazine and after I emailed the nurse to say, a Dr called about 1 hour later and they said come in immediately to get checked out.

I have severe joint damage in wrists and have just started methotrexate. My partner has renamed it Tex Mex which sounds much nicer to have once a week. Hopefully things will stabilise now. At least my excuse for not doing house work is solid 😀 (I am joking. I would love to be able to clean 🙁).

Sounds from other replies that the overall experience of people at different hospitals is really good.

One major lesson for me through my experience has been to ask for what you need and keep pushing. I messed up being passive

All the best

Nessa

[enthusiatjc in reply to nessa11]

I completely agree. I have stuck with bad rheumatologists in the past because I didn't push myself to ask for better. I've been taking the tex mex (sounds so much more fun) for about 15 years now and have realized the same thing you mentioned, that we gotta ask for what we need. My right wrist is bad, and my fingers are starting to deform. Need a good doc to keep me on track. Thanks Nessa

[oldtimer]

Are you looking for a private referral? It sounds as if you are if your GP has not referred you to the department he/she uses. If so, it is worth finding someone who also works at a convenient NHS hospital for you, so that you can be transferred to NHS (if that is what you want of course).

[enthusiatjc in reply to oldtimer]

That sounds good. I'm open to private as well, but if I can get a good rheumatologist at a convenient NHS hospital, nothing beats that Thanks!

[nessa11 in reply to enthusiatjc]

Hi again

If you go go privately you could choose a senior person at an NHS hospital or head of department e.g. try Professor Isenberg at UCH. He is the head of the department and then you can transfer to NHS from there.

Good luck.

[enthusiatjc in reply to nessa11]

Oh that's excellent. Thanks so much

[enthusiatjc]

Thanks Ajay. My GP gave me a referral letter and said that I can go to any rheumatologist and show them the letter to get them to take me on.