Rheumatology covers the diagnosis, care and treatment of a wide range of conditions, which affect the joints and surrounding tissues. This includes arthritis, connective tissue and autoimmune diseases, all long-term conditions that can severely impair mobility and movement if left untreated.

Please note: This service is available for people who are registered with a GP in Greater Preston, Chorley or South Ribble.

When we receive your referral from your GP, a member of our team will assess whether you need to be seen face to face in one of our Preston or Chorley clinics or whether you need a video or telephone appointment. If you are already a patient under our service and you are unsure what type of appointment you are having please feel free to contact the team.

We work as a multi-disciplinary team led by 3 consultants with support from rheumatology specialist nurses, extended scope practitioner, pharmacist, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. To access the rheumatology service patients need to be referred either by their GP or a hospital consultant.

Our patients have the opportunity to participate in research and we are also involved in the teaching of medical students and GP trainees. We have an active patient support group and our patients are encouraged to get involved with contributing to discussions around service development.

Entrance sign to Minerva Health Centre