Apologies for the short notice, but the Partnership and Health Inequalities Manager of the NHS South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group, would like this information circulated as far and wide as possible where relevant, despite the short closing date.
Rheumatology services improvement project
Clinicians and Commissioners across County Durham, Darlington and Tees are working together to help improve Rheumatology services for patients.
The aim of the improvement project is to offer a more consistent service to patients no matter where they live across the County Durham, Darlington, Tees and North Yorkshire areas, and ensure patients are seen in the right place, by the right clinician, first time. To help us achieve this, clinicians from across the area will be working together to look at how the current model for accessing services can be improved.
Patient feedback will also be key, and those currently accessing services will have the chance to have their say on their experiences, positive aspects and areas where they think the services could be improved. The work will also focus on improving the time from first referral to treatment, and ensure patients are able to access services as close to their home as possible.
What does Rheumatology services include?
Rheumatology deals with the investigation, diagnosis and management of patients with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. This a range of disorders affecting joints, bones, muscles and soft tissues (this includes inflammatory arthritis, autoimmune disorders, vasculitis, soft tissue conditions and metabolic bone diseases).
How patients can contribute
To help inform the clinical workshops we are asking Rheumatology patients for their comments and suggestions. We are working with the providers of local Rheumatology services to help reach those individuals attending appointments.
Patients can also contribute through our online survey which will help the Clinical Commissioning Groups to understand the experience of living with these conditions and the services that currently support patients. The feedback will also provide insights into gaps patients might see or improvements we could make to future services that might be more responsive to patients needs and provide consistency across the Durham, Darlington, Tees and North Yorkshire areas.
The closing date for completed surveys is Friday 14 September 2018.
If you have any questions, queries or would like help completing the survey, please contact the Engagement team on 0191 389 8617 or at d.blagdon@nhs.net