The aim of the rheumatology specialist nurse role is to enable patients to maintain their physical, psychological and social wellbeing. This is achieved in a variety of ways including:

• supporting patients at the time of diagnosis and providing ongoing support
• providing patient education
• providing counselling and monitoring for medications
• co-ordinating care and referring to other health professionals as required

The Rheumatology Specialist Nurses in York offer an expert service and work closely with the Rheumatology Consultants and other Rheumatology Health Professionals to manage a caseload of patients and will:

• review patients in clinic to assess the effectiveness of the current management plan, change treatment where indicated and provide ongoing education and support
• provide advice by telephone or email to provides patients and health professionals with access to an expert clinician who is able to advise on all aspects of rheumatology care
• assess, monitor and support patients receiving disease modifying and biologic therapies
• refer to and liaise with other health professionals as required
• provide a link between hospital and community services and liaise with voluntary organisations

The Rheumatology Specialist Nurses in York aim to deliver a continually evolving service for inpatients and outpatients with inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue disease by:

• leading in the development, implementation and audit of nursing guidelines, standards, policies, protocols and care pathways within rheumatology
• collaborating in the development of other documents within the Trust
• working locally, regionally and nationally to develop the role as indicated by current and emerging evidence base, providing advanced nursing expertise and leadership at strategic level
• delivering appropriate training and teaching for healthcare professionals within the hospital or community setting