We are joined today by Dr Batsi Chikura Consultant in Rheumatology at United Lincolnshire Hospitals. This episode we discuss changes to the Rheumatology service. There are now a number of new referral forms in place which can be accessed within your practice clinical systems - EMIS or System One. You will find the new referral forms in exactly the same place you are used to finding referral forms within your clinical system. Please use them and share them with your colleagues.

New referral pathways are now in place for patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis, Early Inflammatory Arthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Gout, Connective Tissue Diseases and Giant Cell Arteritis. There is also updated referral guidance being developed for patients with Fibromyalgia and Ehler's Danlos Syndrome. The service has been changed to streamline and improve the care of these patients. There is also much increased use of the Advice & Guidance route so GPs can get timely advice from specialists regarding their patients.

Thank you for listening!