We provide a dedicated Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology
Service which covers the South West of England. The
multi-disciplinary team is led by four consultant paediatric
rheumatologists: Professor A V Ramanan, Dr J Clinch, Dr A
Kelly and Dr V Rogers who work alongside three paediatric nurse
specialists, a physiotherapy team including a senior specialist
musculoskeletal physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a
psychologist and two specialist registrars. We are a
recognised training centre for paediatric rheumatology.
The service provides expertise for children and adolescents who
suffer from a wide variety of rheumatological conditions and
musculoskeletal problems, which include:
- juvenile arthritis
- uveitis
- juvenile onset lupus
- juvenile dermatomyositis
- periodic fevers
- rare forms of paediatric vasculitis
- mechanical joint pain
- hypermobility syndrome
Our aim
To maintain the function and independence of any child or
adolescent with rheumatological conditions and musculoskeletal
problems by controlling disease activity, helping them to maintain
function, reaching full physical development, minimize any
disability, and supporting them to achieve their full potential
socially, educationally and psychologically.
There are important age-related impacts of these conditions on
children and adolescents which the team have the experience and
expertise to treat in even the most complex cases. Working with the
child/young person and their family the team helps them to manage
the condition by providing holistic care, disease management and
education both on an inpatient and outpatient basis.
Areas of excellence
As above especially systemic onset JIA, JIA associated uveitis,
juvenile dermatomyositis.
General contact details
If you would like any further information on referrals or
general information about our services, please contact the team by
calling 0117 342 0146 / 0117 342 0149
Further information for the public
The service covers the whole of the South West region, and
clinics are held alongside local consultants in Taunton, Bath,
Gloucester, Torbay, Yeovil, Exeter, Plymouth and Truro.
The team also hold specialist clinics with consultants from
other paediatric specialties offering combined expertise. These
include vasculitis clinics (with renal team), uveitis clinics (with
ophthalmology team), and joint clinics with endocrine,
orthopaedics, infectious diseases and dermatology.
We have good relationships with our regional adult rheumatology
colleagues and have a team specialising in Developmentally
Appropriate Healthcare to help prepare and facilitate young people
transitioning from paediatric to adult services. We hold joint
clinics with the adult teams throughout the region and support
young adult clinics where they are available.
