A small number of patients with autoimmune conditions such as vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosis, rheumatoid arthritis and mixed connective tissue disorders develop problems with kidney function. This needs specialist assessment by a nephrologist.
St Peter's Hospital has the facility to treat some of the complex problems associated with this condition. The renal unit at St Helier Hospital has developed a supra-regional clinic specialising in vasculitis and some of these rare conditions.
By combining the skills of a rheumatologist and a nephrologist from St Helier Hospital, it is possible to deliver co-ordinated specialist care closer to home.
This clinic runs monthly to facilitate the appropriate diagnosis of these underlying conditions, co-ordinate the complex treatment, and to offer on-going surveillance and support for patients.
In addition, this clinic offers support to renal patients who have developed rheumatological problems, and to patients with rheumatological disease who have developed deterioration in their kidney function.
This clinic facilitates treatment of very complex medical conditions in a local setting.
Referrals
Referrals can be made directly to Dr Hughes, consultant rheumatologist, at St Peter's Hospital, or to Dr James Marsh.
Due to the complex nature of the underlying conditions seen in this clinic, most patients are referred into this clinic directly by Dr Marsh and Dr Hughes, or as a consultant-to-consultant referral.
