Services in Northern Ireland?: Does anyone know what... - NRAS

NRAS

36,426 members45,076 posts

Services in Northern Ireland?

Bizzie profile image
15 Replies

Does anyone know what the RA services are like in Northern Ireland? We’re considering moving there from the South of England, near Portsmouth. We have a fantastic RA team here so I’m a bit anxious about what it’s like over there.

Written by
Bizzie profile image
Bizzie
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
15 Replies
AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone

Not very good from what we read on near....I recall one lady waited 18 months to get her first appointment

Bizzie profile image
Bizzie in reply to AgedCrone

Oh dear. Thanks Aged Crone. Although the move would mean we would be nearer family, I have to be realistic about the healthcare as I often need help from my RA team.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Bizzie

Get someone in your family to ask at their GP practice what waiting times in Rheumatology Clinics are like.

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

This is several years old, and of course the media look for bad news not good news, but it isn’t reassuring

belfastlive.co.uk/news/heal...

AC’s suggestion is a good one.

Floss_01 profile image
Floss_01

It doesn’t sound great currently I’m afraid. The usual strains on the NHS plus the devolved government not sitting for three years hasn’t helped. I’ve heard from one friend, yet to get an official diagnosis, that her waiting time to get seen by rheumatology is two and a half years. Another friend, already diagnosed, seems to have great care, so perhaps, as you are already in the system (with a diagnosis) that might help. I expect there is some variation from region to region too so worth asking your relatives to check in their area. Great place to live though! Good luck.

Jump1 profile image
Jump1

Waitin on any NHS stuff n n.ireland is horrendous. As far as my exp goes the gps are pretty useless 2. Just read ranges thats about it. Includ my own sis thats a gp. Rubbish. If your good in England my advice stay there

Hellborg66 profile image
Hellborg66

I was seen by rheumatology RVH belfast in May 2018 given a one year review rang in Sept 2019 as I was pretty sore and struggling was told yes I should have been seen in may 2019 but they are inundated and it would be March 2021 before I would be seen as they still haven't seen their one year review patients from Jan 2018. Went to my gp and she wrote them a strong letter and I was seen within the month. Pretty poor service.

Robin0 profile image
Robin0

Bizzie - I moved to N Ireland from Reading where I was diagnosed and had great treatment. As I was already diagnosed my new GP referred me to Rheumatology Consultant at local hospital here. I was seen within 3 months and have regular appointments with consultant or nurse. Both are excellent as is the telephone helpline. My GP surgery does blood tests and dispenses medicines. From my experience I would say its comparable to Reading. The NHS here has more challenges with staff shortages etc but hopefully that will improve going forward. Good luck with your move.

GranAmie profile image
GranAmie

Look back at my previous posts as it's quite interesting; moved here from Hardy country via London in 60s after marrying an Ulsterman. Have always found NHS ok here, tho recent probs ... underpaid, understaffed, underfunded. BUT despite all this have had great service and support re RA [ appeared in 2015 @ age 73 after l/term PMR]. It may depend where you live too. Will pm u when i can find out how LOL xx

Bizzie profile image
Bizzie in reply to GranAmie

Thanks GranAmie - that’s helpful. Can’t halo with how to pm I’m afraid. I haven’t a clue how you do it!

KittyJ profile image
KittyJ in reply to Bizzie

Tap on the persons name and that will take you to their profile. There’s a chat button, two speech bubbles or on a pc it says message, if you tap on that you can message the person 😊

GranAmie profile image
GranAmie in reply to Bizzie

thanks to kitty j below i think i just did :)

Pinkypie2018 profile image
Pinkypie2018

I was seen within 3 months of gp referral and I also have regular appointments with a helpline to contact or else rheumatologist secretary and they do get back in touch fairly quickly. I guess it's like anywhere it all depends where you live and some trusts might be busier than others.

weathervane profile image
weathervane

I have a brilliant rheumy here in Belfast, yes there have been some delays here lately but that is offset by the good rheumy nurse service and the fact i can leave messages for the rheumy and get a reply. You will always find someone to run down a service but you might find many more to praise it .

Best wishes and good luck with your move 🌸

TheBoys profile image
TheBoys

My Dad is treated in Derry .. no issues whatsoever.

You may also like...

RA services in Northern Ireland

are moving to Northern Ireland in the next 3months, I am trying to get a handle on what services for

Covid booster jab availible all over Northern Ireland

got my booster jab today at a pharmacy in Northern Ireland and when I got home tuned into the Nolan...

PIP - Independent Assessment Services

as my RA Has anyone got any tips for dealing with these people. I almost feel like saying to...

Home delivery Service

Does anyone get their RA injection meds delivered to your home via home delivery service ? I am...

Frustrated with NHS service

query was answered. What I want to know is why can no one these days do what they are supposed to...