Rheumatology Department
Contact Details
Rheumatology Helpline (Clinical Nurse Specialist)
Tel: +44 1624 650159 (Not for OPD appointments)
Prescription Helpline (DMARDS)
Tel: +44 1624 650804
Secretary Tel: +44 1624 650138
Outpatient Appointments(PIC)
Tel: +44 1624 650103
Email: MCALS@gov.im
The service is led by Dr R Peshin Consultant Rheumatologist, who has led a process of restructuring, and started services for which patients in the past needed to go to the UK. The Rheumatology Department is located in the Day Assessment Treatment Unit (DATU) in the Newlands building. All rheumatology services are located at 'one point of care', which is an effective and efficient use of resources. It also allows for availability of senior rheumatological input at all times, and on site.
The service is supported by a Staff Grade Doctor in Rheumatology, Clinical Nurse specialist, with help from a part time Rheumatology nurse. We are in the process of re-establishing a Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy service. These along with other dedicated staff have developed patient focussed education sessions (ACTION Classes –due to be restarted).
Rheumatology Services are largely run on an outpatient basis, with clinics run every day of the week to allow for access to the service. Infusion and Injection services are provided in DATU too. Access to Inpatient care beds is available in the Medical Division for patients who require acute intervention in the event of a rheumatological emergency. The service provides access to Early Arthritis Clinics, Biologic Clinics for patients on biological therapies and disease specific Annual Review clinics. We also provide an educational, counselling, prescribing, and monitoring service for all rheumatology patients on Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) on the Isle of Man.
In addition, there is provision of an Osteoporosis Service, clinical, injection and infusion service, as well as for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, along with a fracture liaison service. DEXA scans are reported by Dr R Peshin. We also provide an Inpatient Rheumatology Referral service and work in a multidisciplinary manner with other medical and surgical specialities in Noble's Hospital.
We maintain strong links with the Mersey Deanery - the visiting Professor who attends quarterly, allows us to maintain a vital link with the UK, help peer review and management of difficult cases, second opinions, provide opportunities for Continuing Medical Education/Continuing Professional Development (CME/CPD,) service redesign and development, so that we can provide a best practice rheumatology service for all patients on the Isle of Man.
We endeavour to provide an effective, dynamic and best practice service, and continue to improve services as the need arises with the latest investigations, therapies and management protocols. Our friendly and dedicated team in DATU are always willing to listen to patients and adopt changes that best serve their needs.
Local Societies
Arthritis Care Ellan Vannin
Tel: +44 1624 852664 (Office)
Email: arthritiscareev@hotmail.com
Isle of Man Group
Tel: +44 1624 676694
