Hi
I’ve recently moved to north east Scotland and am looking into transferring my care here.
I’m currently off Benepali , after very short period of having it for PSA, due to an infection, which is frustrating as it’s been a long haul to get to this point.
Does anyone attend ARI or Raigmore hospitals and how do you find the Rheum service?
Thankyou x
Although I cant answer ( having moved from inverness area some 15 years ago ) I had to go off topic and say great user ID, nice appropriate play on words. Wish you well
Thankyou! It was an accidental typo which really made me smile so I kept it 😊
Been with Inverness Rheumy service for 10 plus years. First 7 years, had a great Rheumatologist and a seamless service - felt very cared for and quick response to any problems and issues. That continuity of care was excellent and a very good working relationship established with one Rhematologist and nurse.
Last 3 years, the turn over of rheumatologists has been phenomenal and the only continuity of care have been the dedicated Rheumy nurses (who are excellent), but they are having same issues of shortage of and retention of staff (North of Scotland issue!)Also, waiting times for other related services (physio, etc.) have increased. The RA help line is now only available 3 mornings a week which then can give you access to a Rheumy nurse telephone consult operating 2 days a week. Haven’t met my new Rhematologist yet as I was not transferred to his list when last one left.
It seems that ‘experienced’ RA patients are being managed by the nurses now, probably to free up the few rheumatologists available, to see and diagnose new RA clients. I am happy to work with my nurse of 10 plus years, who knows me and feel some continuity in my care, but my goodness, it’s quite shocking the sharp contrast in what was available to the service on offer now. Only hope my nurse does not leave or retires!!!!! It’s very sad seeing the NHS decline and I feel for the staff who are trying to hold it all together under these difficult circumstances.
Thankyou Braecoon for all your info. I suspect it will be pretty similar in Aberdeen in which case I might be better staying with my current team for as long as they will have me. I usually see my consultant yearly and can access the Rheum nurses via phone or online messaging; I’ve also got access to my records & results online which I really like. The only downside is travelling to see them .
I've always got on well with the Aberdeen team. Appointments are available in Elgin which is handy as the hospital is 10 minutes walk from my house. I would expect initial appointments to be at ARI.
My condition is stable and well managed these days so I don't need much contact with them. It's been a mixture of nurse and consultant appointments. Dr Black who was my consultant is winding down towards retirement. She was very good in helping me get access to biologic therapy. She was very well liked by my sister in law.
The email enquiry service has been very good. Normally they reply in 2 working days.
Off topic, I have family living in Elgin. The own the Sunninghill Hotel. Small world 😀
Definitely a small world.
I know the Sunninghill well, I'm 10 minutes from it. Probably eating there next week.
I look out on to Donald and Winnie's back garden.
I hope you find the support you need up here.
Oh wow, send them a wave from me. Winnie is my cousin (I think) can never quite work it out. My gran and her dad were siblings 🤷♀️🤨 regards Sarah
Hello SunshineonKeith
Welcome to the North East of Scotland. Like Braecoon I am a long time patient of the Rhuematology Service at both Raigmore and Dingwall hospitals. I agree that the changes are quite profound from what it was before Covid. I now have Rheumatologist number 5 who has arrived from Glasgow and Sterling. He is exceptionally good, but I am told that he is unbelievably busy with a large patient waiting list. Maybe you could check this out by contacting the Department at Raigmore? You could also explore the cross over between different Health Authorities for Biologicals. The computer system at Raigmore needs updating, might be more difficult to access results of tests?
The team of Nurses at Dingwall are amazing but also working under very difficult circumstances with staff shortages.
My personal feelings are that if you are happy with the team you have in Aberdeen then I would stay with who you know, and who know you, till things improve at Raigmore and hopefully they are able to secure another, much needed, Rheumatologist. I know the travel to ARI can be difficult, especially as the snow has arrived, but maybe it might be worth it for now. Whatever your decide I hope you remain well and enjoy living in the North East of Scotland.
I would imagine by your name you will come under Aberdeen for your care although attend clinic in Elgin. I am in Aberdeen and have found their care phenomenal. If I have a problem and email they reply and get me sorted.
sorry I pushed button before I meant too, unfortunately Dr Black is retiring in January, and they are taking on a locum from Edinburgh so things may change . They have in mind a proper replacement for Dr Black someone who did a rotation with the, in the past but isn’t available to start for another year. Like most places these days I don’t think appointments will be yearly, but rather when their are issues
Thankyou very much all 3 of you 😊
Aberdeen does sound like it’ll be my best bet so I’ll do a bit more research around moving teams.
I was diagnosed with RA in Jan 24. I have found the Rheumatology team at ARI to be very supportive. Not having been 'ill' before, I wasn't sure what to expect! They use an email system for queries and it is very useful to get feedback and reassurance without having to go in to Aberdeen and take up an appointment. I like their 'one-stop' approach to managing the condition. I have had great advice and guidance from their Occ Therapist and the Rheum/biologic nurse teams. They work well with the local GP team and pharmacy and when my CRP skyrocketed , I was in ARI ward 101 ( !) within 12 hours of a blood test. They have reassured me that the NHS is still working!!
That’s great to read and very reassuring that you had such excellent care!
I was only diagnosed in May, following some real incompetence at my GP Surgery. I'm attending ARI, and so far the treatment has been very good. I have other health problems I didn't know about, and rheumatology picked them up and arranged appointments with other departments at ARI.
Thankyou Bobdylanfan, it’s so good to hear so many positive stories.
Rheumatology Nurse
Rheumatology Clinic
Private rheumatology
Rheumatology referral 
