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, a community pharmacist or NHS 111.

 

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, a community pharmacist, NHS 111, or the healthcare team now responsible for your care.

 

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. It is often very busy and it may take some time to answer your call.

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.

The advice line is for patients who:

  • Are experiencing a 'flare' of your rheumatological condition that has not improved with usual self-help measures
  • Have concerns about potential side effects of your rheumatology medication
  • Have questions regarding your symptoms or treatment which cannot wait until your next appointment
  • Have been asked by a member of the rheumatology team to get in touch

We can't provide advice on:

  • Non-rheumatology conditions
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Prescription requests
  • Consultant appointments
  • Results

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

When not to call:

  • Booking, changing, cancelling or checking an appointment. Redial and choose option 3.
  • Repeat prescription requests. Redial and choose option 1.
  • Medication delivery queries. Please contact your homecare provider first. If not resolved, use option 2.
  • Fit notes. Please contact your GP. We can't issue them.
  • To talk about anything not related to your rheumatological condition. Contact your GP or community pharmacist.

Blood test results

We do not routinely give test results over the phone. If your results need urgent action before your next appointment, a member of our team will call you.

Rheumatology