East Kent

Community Rheumatology Service

01223 603 986

PhysioNow self-referral is not currently available in this service.

Please note that calls will be charged at your standard network rate.

If you have a query about your appointment, you can access our Patient FAQs here.

Our East Kent Services

What we provide in your area:

  • Rheumatology
  • This is a unique service designed to deliver care differently, with the needs of Rheumatology patients at the forefront of our minds. As a patient of the community service, you will benefit from a number of key features including:

    • Appointments close to home, with free parking and good public transport links

    • A choice of venues available for your appointments

    • An opportunity to attend education sessions to improve knowledge of your condition and many other aspects relating to the management of your long-term condition

    • Comprehensive assessment of health risks including heart disease, stroke, and risk of breaking a bone *

    • A 24hr guaranteed call back service for advice and help
    • Access to a range of exercise classes designed specifically for people with arthritis

    • We have a dedicated call team who will manage this from Monday – Friday between 8.30am– 5pm.

    • You will be provided with a handheld record so you can record any issues, keep a check on your blood and x-ray results and it will form a useful resource of information about medication and useful facts about your condition

    • Access to urgent appointments (within 48 hours)

    • Work in an integrated way with your GP to ensure you receive “joined up” care **

    * Patients with inflammatory arthritis have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. To minimise risk every patient will receive a comprehensive assessment of their health as part of the rheumatology consultation once a year. This is called an Annual Review.
    **Connect Health will undertake the annual review assessment at the same time as the rheumatology consultation whenever possible. For most patients, this will take place in their own GP surgery. A small number of surgeries are not able to provide clinical space and for those patients, a range of alternatives will be offered. All information collected at this appointment will be shared with the GP to ensure that patients receive high quality, “joined up” care.
    To contact the specialist team, you only need to make a phone call to 01223 603 986.

  • Patient Education
  • Evidence shows us that better informed patients are better equipped to manage their condition. With this in mind, we run regular educational sessions that are open to patients and the public. So, if you want to learn more about your condition, its management, and self-care and lots of other topics please do come along.

    Monthly educational meetings have been set up in Deal (funded by Versus Arthritis). We also provide quarterly meetings in other venues across East Kent including Canterbury, Ashford, Folkestone and New Romney.

    We have virtual education sessions that are pre-recorded and uploaded to our website, please find a link to these in the 'information & resources' section below.

Meet your East Kent team

Amy Harvey

Operations Manager

Kathryn Walton

Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology

Alison Baldock

Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology

Eileen Collier

Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology

Melanie Donarte

Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology

Claire Binnie

Administrative Assistant

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Patient Resources

Ongoing support
View videos, exercise guides, fact sheets and resources covering all areas of the body as well as falls, rheumatology and pain.

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Waiting Well

Supporting you whilst you wait for your appointment
Information and resources to help you get the most out of your appointment when we see you.