Rheumatology

We are part of the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD). The specialist rheumatology service transferred from the Mineral Water Hospital in 2019. It is now part of the RUH site, situated next to the Brownsword Therapies Centre.

Research aims

The rheumatology research team deliver studies across a variety of conditions. Some of these conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. We also focus on connective tissue diseases. These can include systemic sclerosis, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome and myositis.

We support and take part in all types of research studies. These can be global commercial clinical trials led by pharmaceutical companies. We are also involved in multicentre observational and academic studies. Our research ranges from one-off questionnaires to longer trials with many study visits. The latter may involve new drugs and other novel treatment interventions.

We have developed our own research database and bio-bank. This is a collection of biological samples, such as blood and health information. The bio-bank contains more than 30 years of data. The samples provide anonymised information from people with auto immune and inflammatory diseases. We use these to gain a better understanding of how a person's genes (DNA) may influence their health.

The bio-bank is internationally recognised as an outstanding academic resource. Data and samples stored in the bio-bank can help us to answer research questions. For example, some patients develop more serious disease than others. Are there any factors that influence why?

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