PATIENTS with suspected inflammatory arthritis can now access rapid assessment and treatment at St Luke's Hospital.

The service includes a wide range of different health professionals who have come together to offer a unique service to patients.

Now, only three weeks after referral by their GP, patients who may have inflammatory arthritis can attend the clinic for assessment by a consultant, followed by same-day access to ultrasound, physiotherapy and specialist nurse drug counselling and education.

Patients can have all the blood, ultrasound and X-ray tests done during one appointment.

People should see their GP if they think they have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, so they can try to identify the underlying cause.