- Transition of patients from the Great North Children’s Hospital (GNCH) Paediatric Rheumatology service, to the adult Rheumatology team. Teenage patients who require ongoing Rheumatology care beyond the age of 16, are initially seen jointly by both teams at the GNCH, before moving to the Freeman Hospital adult Rheumatology service. There is overlap between the paediatric and adult teams, to aid transition.
- Primary and secondary care new patient referrals between the ages of 16-24
- Multidisciplinary teamwork, involving
- a dedicated Consultant Rheumatologist , with special interest in adolescent rheumatology
- Clinical Nurse Specialists, with special interest in adolescent rheumatology and connective tissue diseases.
- the advanced Rheumatology Occupational Therapist
- a charity funded Youth Worker (working cross site between the GNCH and FRH)
- cross specialty colleagues when needed
- peer support opportunities
Useful websites
You can also get more information about adolescent rheumatology, including Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at at: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) | Symptoms, treatments | Arthritis UK
