Our specialist team

Our consultant rheumatologists work with acute general hospitals and our unit to ensure the best possible care is given to each of our patients.  One of these consultants will be responsible for your care, and their role will include the coordination of your treatment programme with us.

Our consultant rheumatologists lead a multidisciplinary ward round each week, during which your case will be discussed with you.  In general, any treatment updates such as treatment change decisions, any additional investigations required, and discharge dates are discussed and agreed at this time.

The physiotherapists in RMDU work as part of the multidisciplinary team to help patients manage their condition and achieve their functional goals. The main focus of treatment is on self-management education and exercise.

Each patient is assessed on the day of admission. This involves listening to patients to understand how their condition is impacting their lives. It also involves looking at the patient’s joints, muscles, mobility and balance. Based on this assessment and in collaboration with the patient, an individually tailored treatment programme is designed to address a patient’s main issues. The physiotherapist works with the patient to help lessen the impact of pain on their lives, by building strategies to enable them to live and function well with their condition.

There are two main ways to attend the service:

• In-patient admission: This is normally a 2-week admission. Patients attend the Physiotherapy Department for daily therapy, which involves one to one sessions. There are also group exercise classes, such as a balance class and Tai Chi class.
• Out-patient Service: Patients attend scheduled appointments on an outpatient basis. The number of outpatient sessions can vary and is dependent on the patient’s needs.

Patients also attend the Aquatic Physiotherapy service if it is appropriate for their needs.

Prior to discharge from the service, a home exercise programme is discussed with the patient, along with a plan of action to help them continue to achieve their goals into the future. Referrals may be made to community physiotherapy services if deemed necessary.

Occupational therapists (OT’s) in RMDU work with individuals whose everyday activities have been impacted by their condition in both our in-patient and out-patient services. We aim to maximise participation in these activities and achieve this by providing education and advice, modifying the task, or by adapting the environment.

Your OT will complete a comprehensive assessment with you and together you will set goals after which your OT will design a specific treatment plan to help you to achieve these goals. Standard OT interventions can include:

• Self-management education to help you manage symptoms of pain, fatigue, stress, poor sleep, memory health and relaxation
• Symptom management educational groups focusing on stress management, relaxation, and lifestyle management for arthritis
• Vocational rehabilitation interventions to optimise your participation in work and education
• Upper limb assessment and management
• Advice on modifying tasks or use of aids to optimise your functional ability to complete your activities of daily living
• Rapid access pathways for those requiring hand therapy and / or vocational rehabilitation through our specialist outpatient service

Clinical pharmacists visit RMDU patients to review prescriptions, advise on treatments and support the multidisciplinary team. The pharmacist may check medicines upon admission and discuss them with patients to ensure they get the best out of their medicines while under our care.

Our team work across all aspects of the hospice to ensure your time with us is as comfortable as possible.