Local MP, Stephen Lloyd has visited the Rheumatology department at Eastbourne DGH and met with patients, doctors and nursing staff.
Dr Sam Panthakalam, Consultant Rheumatologist (3rd right) with Stephen Lloyd MP and some of the Rheumatology Department team
The Rheumatology department investigate, diagnose, manage and rehabilitate people with inflammatory and non-inflammatory disorders which predominantly affect the joints, bones, muscles and soft tissues. Across the Trust, there are around 110,000 Rheumatology Outpatient attendances each year, as well as treating patients requiring a stay in hospital.
Stephen Lloyd, MP said: “It was absolutely fascinating to visit the Rheumatology department, not least finding out just how many different skillsets the range of clinicians offer. Quite extraordinary really. It was enlightening to meet so many of the dedicated staff. Medicines and treatment in this speciality have transformed the lives of so many people.”
Dr Sam Panthakalam, Consultant Rheumatologist said: “It was a privilege to host a visit from Mr Lloyd to our department, show him around and introduce him to our staff on the ward, day unit and Outpatients. We manage a variety of rheumatological and immunological conditions requiring long-term care and support from other professionals such as physiotherapy, podiatry and occupational therapy. Even though there is no definite cure for most of these conditions, we aim to achieve remission with medications including the most modern biologic therapies. Additionally, we do have clinical trials with up-coming drugs.”
Rheumatologists treat conditions such as:
- inflammatory joint disease, eg rheumatoid arthritis
- degenerative joint disease, eg osteoarthritis
- autoimmune disease, eg lupus
- back problems
- soft tissue disorders, eg tennis elbow
- metabolic bone disorders, eg osteoporosis
- crystal arthropathies, eg gout
- musculoskeletal infections