Whipps Cross University Hospital

What we do

We have a large and well established multi-disciplinary team at Whipps Cross.

It is involved not only with patient care but also with training and education, research and clinical trials.

The department is made up of a mix of doctors, nurses and research staff working closely with the hospitals physiotherapists, occupational therapists and podiatrists. 

The team is led by four consultant rheumatologists:

• Dr Simon Donnelly
• Dr Alan Hakim
• Dr John Lanham 
• Dr Hasan Tahir

We offer a large range of services for rheumatology patients, these include:

• Specialist diagnostic and treatment services for patients with all forms of rheumatic complaints including connective tissue diseases, inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
• Nurse-led clinics for patients who need education, support and advice for any patient attending the department.
• Nurse-led clinics for the assessment and monitoring of patients on Biologic therapy.
• Back pain assessment clinics led by consultant physiotherapists.
• Nurse-led self management programme for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, either individually or in a group.
• A teaching service for trainee rheumatologists, GP's and other health professionals.

Our Rheumatology Outpatient Clinics take place in four main locations; Whipps Cross, Silverthorn Medical Centre, Forest Medical Centre, Wanstead Health Centre.

How to contact us

Where to find us

How to find us

For more information on how to find the location at Whipps Cross or how to get the hospital please look under our 'Where to find us section'.

• Click here to view a location map of the hospital.
• Click here to view how to get here.
  
• To find the location of Silverthorn Medical Centre, please click on this link.
  
• Or to find the other sites, please click on this link and enter the relevant postcode.

Opening times

How to get treatment

To get an appointment with the Rheumatology team you will need to be referred by your GP (General Practitioner) or a hospital consultant.

For an appointment with the rheumatology nurse your Consultant will usually refer you once a diagnosis has been made or when drug treatment is commenced or changed.

You can ask to see the nurse if you are already attending any of the consultant clinics in the department.

Further Information

What is a rheumatologist?
Rheumatologists are doctors who have had specialised training in diagnosing and treating disorders that affect the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissues and bones, including arthritis.

What conditions do Rheumatologists treat?
They treat arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain disorders and osteoporosis.

There are over 100 rheumatic diseases. The Arthritis Research Campaign & Arthritis Care have a very comprehensive list of publications for rheumatic conditions, please click on the links below to look at their websites.

When should you see a rheumatologist?
Many of these conditions can be successfully treated by your GP.  

They  may refer you to a rheumatologist if you have symptoms which are more severe or long lasting, and which they feel would be better diagnosed and treated by a rheumatologist.  

What is the role of a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner/Specialist?
They are trained nurses who have special experience in looking after the physical, emotional and social needs of people with a variety of arthritic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and lupus.

Clinical Trials and Research
Research is now recognised by the Department of Health as a key element in ensuring the continued improvement of patient care within the NHS.

The Academic Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Unit (ARO) research within the department is carried out by the Academic Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Unit. Dr Hakim and Dr Tahir are involved in the research.

ARO attracts research funding from the NHS, from the Arthritis Research Campaign and takes part in many clinical drug trials.

Many of the treatments available today, including the biologics treatments, were trialled within the unit, and we are constantly reviewing our practices in the light of new research.

Any income generated by this work is ploughed back in to the hospital to support the staff and services we provide. More information on research within the hospital can be found by clicking on this link to the Research & Development page and How Research and Development Affects You.

Contacts for Help and Advice

The Department has its own exercise sheets, which are shown below, however other exercise sheets and patient information leaflets are available from both the Arthritis Research Council and Arthritis Care, please click on the links below to go to their websites:

• Arthritis Research Campaign
  The ARC is a charity which funds research into rheumatic conditions and produces patient information on the different conditions and the various treatments available.
  Contact: 0870 850500
  
• Arthritis Care
  Is a charity run by people with arthritis for people with arthritis. They campaign for better services for arthritis sufferers. They also produce a range of patient information leaflets.
  Contact: 020 7380 6555
  Or Freephone helpline: 0808 800 4050 (Mon-Fri: 10.00am - 4.00pm).

Documents to download

You are welcome to download and use the departments exercise sheets, please click on the relevant links below.

And there is a list of useful contacts if you would like more information concerning your condition, or on other local health services, help on equipment, social services, or employment and training.