How do I get an appointment?
You can ask your child's GP or hospital consultant to refer you. For information about getting or making a referral, see our rheumatology referrals page.
We'll send you details of your appointment by post or, if the appointment is at short notice, we may contact you by phone.
Before your appointment
Please bring:
- any questions you or your child have
- a pair of shorts and a vest or t-shirt to make it easier for us to examine oyur child's joints
- a list of medicines your child is taking, including the dose
- blood monitoring card (if you have one)
- a pen to fill out questionnaires
- a snack, a drink and things for your child to do while you wait for your appointment
During your appointment
Many of our rheumatology clinics have a 'one-stop shop approach', with the opportunity for you to see several different professionals in one visit, including a:
- doctor
- physiotherapist
- nurse specialist
- occupational therapist
- ophthalmologist
We'll try to arrange any blood tests, X-rays or ultrasound scans your child needs on the same day of your appointment.
If your appointment is on Level 0 - Ocean, please check in at the main Evelina London reception. If your appointment is at the Penguin outpatient unit (PDF 135KB), St Thomas' Hospital, please check in there. We'll give you a questionnaire for you and your child to complete. This helps with our assessment.
We may measure your child's height and weight and blood pressure. We'll sometimes need a wee samples, but we'll let you know what to do if this is the case.
There will be plenty of time to talk about your concerns. It helps if you come prepared with a list of things you want to discuss.
It is not always possible to predict the needs of our patients during appointments. This can occasionally lead to longer waiting times, but we'll always try to see you as soon as possible.
After your appointment
We'll send you a letter to confirm the outcome of your appointment. We'll also send a copy of this letter to your GP or the doctor who referred your child.
This letter will have a contact number you can use if you have any questions.
You may find it useful to share this letter with others, such as your child's school.