What we do
The Rheumatology department at MUFT WTWA sees patients with a wide variety of musculoskeletal diseases usually when there is involvement of the immune system. All of our patients are referred by doctors- either GPs or secondary care colleagues.
Our clinical practice includes many types of arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis as well as polymyalgia rheumatica, gout and pseudogout. We also see patients with systemic conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus and vasculitis and bone conditions such as osteoporosis.
Information for GPs
If you’re a GP you can find out more information about our referral process and the conditions we support here.
Where we’re based
We run clinics at four main hospitals: Altrincham, Trafford, Withington and Wythenshawe. Patients will usually be offered the first available appointment. If future appointments are needed care can be transferred to a more local hospital. If there are particular difficulties with transport we will try to accommodate preferences.
The team
We are a large team of consultants, middle grade and junior doctors and allied healthcare professionals including specialist nurses, physiotherapists, podiatrists and occupational therapists.
Allied Health Professionals
- Physiotherapy – our physiotherapists are experts on general fitness, joint flexibility and muscle strength. They will work with you to help improve function.
- Occupational therapy- our occupational therapist will be able to help if you have problems with everyday activities or hand function. They are also able to provide support and advice regarding work related issues.
- Podiatry- our podiatrist can help with foot pain, they may provide functional insoles and therapeutic footwear as required.
Attending appointments
Please check carefully the location of your appointment and whether it is face to face or a telephone appointment. It’s really helpful if you can bring an up to date list of medication with you. If you are attending for a procedure such as an injection please arrange for someone to bring you to the appointment if possible.
All patients are under the care of a Consultant but many appointments are with another member of the team such as a specialist nurse, physiotherapist or doctor in training.
Your appointment may take some time, especially if you require additional investigations such as blood tests or x-rays or to see an additional member of the team such as a physiotherapist. You may wish to bring a book or other reading material with you.
We are a research active department and where relevant you will be offered the opportunity to take part in any relevant research.
We are an active department in medical student teaching, it’s likely during termtime that you will be asked if you are happy to see a medical student first and/ or have them in the clinic consultation with you.
Working alongside other specialties
We run combined clinics with Respiratory and Renal physicians. If you attend one of these clinic you will be reviewed by more than one specialist.
Hive/MyMFT
We recommend that patients under our care sign up to My MFT to allow them to access their results and letters electronically.