0191 293 4159

Option 1: Repeat prescriptions

Option 2: Problems with prescriptions

Option 3: Appointments

Option 4: Nurse advice

  • This is not an emergency line. If you have an emergency or life-threatening condition, call 999. Or, if you can, go to your nearest A&E department.
  • If you need urgent advice, please call NHS 111 or your GP practice. If your query does not relate to your rheumatological condition, you should contact your GP, NHS 111 or a pharmacy.

 

Who can use the advice line?

  • If you are a patient of one of our rheumatology consultants at Northumbria Healthcare
  • A member of your family if you have agreed they can call on your behalf.

Healthcare professionals needing advice should call the rheumatologist of the day via the switchboard - 0344 811 8111.

We can't give you advice if you have been discharged from rheumatology. Please contact your GP.

 

How do I use the advice line?

  • The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Please reorder prescriptions at least 3 weeks in advance
  • Please remember to speak slowly and clearly
  • The message will ask you to leave these details:
    • Full name
    • Date of birth
    • 1st line of your address
    • Contact telephone number
    • Name and dose of drug needed
  • If your blood tests are in date, we will post the prescription to your home address.
  • We can't reply to messages. This option is only for repeat prescriptions.

  • Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 12pm
  • Please call if you ordered your prescription 3 weeks ago and you haven't received it
  • You can call if you have any problems with your prescription
  • You will speak to one of our admin staff. They are not medically trained. They can't answer specific questions about your condition or medication.

  • Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
  • Please call if you have an appointment that you can't attend
  • Please call if you need to rearrange an appointment
  • We will connect you to our contact centre. You then need to select option 1 for the appointments line.
  • If possible, please have your NHS number or hospital T-number. These are on any appointment letters you have.
  • If you do not have an appointment, do not choose this option. You need to choose option 4 for nurse advice.

Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9am to 11.30am.

This is a live service staffed by our rheumatology nurse specialists. You may have to join a queue.If you are in the queue, you will stay on until 12pm. If your call is not answered by this time, you will need to call back. Please have your NHS number of hospital T-number to hand. These are on any appointment letters you have. This will help us give you a quick response.

Before calling, please check the FAQs and other advice on this webpage. These may answer your queries.

Examples of when to call:

  • A flare-up not improving after 7 days  despite self-help measures
  • If you need an appointment. You will need to tell us if you:
  • Have an infection
  • Are are taking antibiotics
  • Have just finished antibiotics
  • Are due to have any scans or surgery
  • Have had a vaccination in the last 2 weeks
  • Queries or side effects for your rheumatology medication. Your local pharmacist may also be able to help.
  • Concerns relating to your condition that cannot wait for your next appointment
  • If we have called you and have asked you to call back. This is important if we have asked you to stop your medication due to blood results.

If you have a full body rash, swelling around the eyes, lips or tongue, or breathing problems, go to your local A&E department.

When not to call:

  • Changing an appointment. Redial and choose option 3.
  • Prescription queries. Redial and choose option 2.
  • To talk about anything not related to your rheumatological condition.

We do not routinely give test results over the phone. We only do this in cases where we have asked you to call us about your results. Otherwise, a clinician will call you about results if they need to talk to you before your next appointment.

 
Rheumatology