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Rheumatology Service | Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) | Te Whatu Ora
Public Service, Rheumatology
Description
Formerly Northland DHB Rheumatology Service
What is Rheumatology?
Rheumatology is the specialty of medicine that includes arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
Arthritis means inflammation of a joint. A joint is where two or more bones meet and move in relation to each other. They are separated by a rubbery substance called cartilage which is smooth and slippery, allowing for easy movement.
Autoimmune disease is where an abnormality in the immune system leads to the body’s defence harming its own cells by mistake. A rheumatologist is a doctor who has specialised in this area of medicine.
Rheumatology Services Provided by Northland DHB
Specialist Rheumatology clinics are run twice a month and a visiting rheumatologist from Counties Manukau attends. Some forms of arthritis can be managed by general physicians and as the number of appointments for the rheumatologist is limited, patients may be seen by general physicians - either for their first visits or follow ups. Rheumatology clinics are only provided at Whangārei Hospital.
Referral Expectations
Inpatient Care
There is no inpatient Rheumatology Service in Northland. Inpatient care is provided at Whangārei Hospital for patients with acute (severe) illness associated with rheumatic disorders and also for some patients undergoing rehabilitation. Ward care is provided by a rheumatologist or registrar (a doctor training to become a specialist who is under supervision).
Outpatient Clinics
Outpatient clinics for Northland patients are held at Whangārei Hospital only.
Rheumatology Nurse Led Clinic
Outpatient clinics for Northland patients are held at Whangārei Hospital and Kaitaia Hospital.
Common Conditions
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia
This is an autoimmune disease where the immune system harms cells of the body. It can affect the joints, skin, nervous system, kidneys and heart. It is a disease for which there is no cure. It can be managed and usually controlled with medication. It affects different people differently and can have symptoms that come and go. Symptoms initially can include tiredness, muscle and joint pain and swelling, hair loss, rash, and fevers. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the history and examination findings as well as blood tests and urine tests. For more information see www.arthritis.org.nz
This is an autoimmune disease where the immune system harms cells of the body. It can affect the joints, skin, nervous system, kidneys and heart. It is a disease for which there is no cure. It can be managed and usually controlled with medication. It affects different people differently and can have symptoms that come and go. Symptoms initially can include tiredness, muscle and joint pain and swelling, hair loss, rash, and fevers. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the history and examination findings as well as blood tests and urine tests. For more information see www.arthritis.org.nz
This is an autoimmune disease where the immune system harms cells of the body. It can affect the joints, skin, nervous system, kidneys and heart. It is a disease for which there is no cure. It can be managed and usually controlled with medication. It affects different people differently and can have symptoms that come and go. Symptoms initially can include tiredness, muscle and joint pain and swelling, hair loss, rash, and fevers. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the history and examination findings as well as blood tests and urine tests. For more information see www.arthritis.org.nz
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) also known as temporal arteritis, is an inflammatory condition of the blood vessels and can present with headache, jaw claudication, scalp tenderness or other more vague symptoms.
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) also known as temporal arteritis, is an inflammatory condition of the blood vessels and can present with headache, jaw claudication, scalp tenderness or other more vague symptoms.
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) also known as temporal arteritis, is an inflammatory condition of the blood vessels and can present with headache, jaw claudication, scalp tenderness or other more vague symptoms.
Gout
Gout
Website
Contact Details
Whangārei Hospital
Northland
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Phone
0800 463 341
Website
Maunu Road
Private Bag 9742
Whangārei
Northland 0148
Street Address
Maunu Road
Private Bag 9742
Whangārei
Northland 0148
Postal Address
Whangārei Hospital
Private Bag 9742
Whangārei 0148
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This page was last updated at 9:07AM on December 17, 2021. This information is reviewed and edited by Rheumatology Service | Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) | Te Whatu Ora.