Services in Northern Ireland?

[Bizzie]

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.

[AgedCrone]

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

[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 in reply to Bizzie]

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

[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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 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 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 in reply to Bizzie]

thanks to kitty j below i think i just did

[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]

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]

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