Please view our cookie policy that explains what cookies are and how they are used on our website. This also provides you with a guide on how to disable cookies, but please be aware that parts of the site will not function correctly if you disable them.

By closing this message, you consent to our use of cookies on this device in accordance with our cookie policy unless you have disabled them.

North Cumbria University Hospitals - Caring for North Cumbria

Home > Our services > Rheumatology

Rheumatology

General introduction

Rheumatology service is provided at Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital. Rheumatology department includes two full time consultants, three nurse specialists, GP registrar, physiotherapists and occupational therapist. The department concentrates on the provision of high quality service for inflammatory rheumatological conditions. Service for soft tissue rheumatism, orthopaedic medicine and diffuse pain syndromes is provided by GPs, extended scope physiotherapists and pain clinic. 

What we do

The main bulk of our work is directed towards the provision of high quality service for patients with inflammatory arthritis. We provide urgent slots for  early arthritis patients in every new patient clinic. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is used as an extension to clinical examination. A high quality immunology service is provided by our immunology lab. Anti-CCP test for rheumatoid arthritis is available. These measures ensure early diagnosis and treatment of early arthritis patients. Close follow up of these patients is provided by regular FU clinics, nurse and consultant SOS clinics, help-line and monitoring ultrasound clinic. Regular DAS (Disease Activity Score) clinics are also in operation for patients on biologic therapy.

We also run special interest clinics for patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Connective tissue diseases and Vasculitis. The Ankylosing sondylitis clinic is a combined clinic with physiotherapy. The department has its own microscope to examine joint fluid for crystals in suspected gout and pseudogout patients. A new microscope will be bought in the near future.

A weekly injection clinic run by our physiotherapist is in place.

Key clinical staff

  • Dr Alaa Hassan - Lead consultant rheumatologist
  • Locum consultant rheumatologist (pending appointment of a replacement for retired consultant)
  • Paul Gibson - Nurse specialist
  • Wendy Stuldhome - Nurse specialist
  • Judith Bates - Nurse specialist
  • Wendy Farren - Physiotherapist
  • Fiona Caven - Occupational Therapist

Location

  • Cumberland Infirmary
  • West Cumberland Hospital

Contact details

wendy.a.dixon@ncuh.nhs.uk - Secretary

christine.atwell@ncuh.nhs.uk - Secretary

Tel: 01228 814472/814347    Fax: 01228 814257