The Specialist Nurses
There are currently 4 specialist nurses and a research nurse within the scleroderma unit at the Royal Free Hospital. The nurses offer a holistic approach to care that makes such a difference to our patients. The specialist nurses have their own area of work but also work very closely as a team. Together the nurses ensure that the needs of the patients are met, medically, emotionally and spiritually.
Their roles within the department comprise of 5 main aspects:
- Clinical Work
- Education of patients & health professionals
- Patient advocacy & support
- Liaison & Coordination of care
- Research & audit
The specialist nurses also run an advice line for patients. The members of the team who have expertise in Raynaud's phenomenon, scleroderma and pulmonary hypertension run the advice line. This line is for general information and advice only; it does not serve as a replacement for your care by your doctors. For queries regarding your own diagnosis and treatment you need to speak to the team at your local hospital.
The nurses running the advice line have many other daily commitments. For this reason you will be asked to leave a message, please do so and we will endeavour to return you call as soon as possible. Please do not contact the advice line in the case of an emergency, as your message will not be picked up immediately.
The rheumatology and pulmonary hypertension advice line welcomes enquiries from patients, relatives and other healthcare professionals.
The numbers are:
Rheumatology & Scleroderma : 020 7830 2326.
Pulmonary Hypertension : 020 7472 6354.(Monday – Friday. 9am – 5pm)
The members of the nursing team are as follows:
Helen Wilson
Helen is the senior specialist nurse leading the Rheumatology team.
Helen has been back part-time with the team since March 2006 following her maternity leave.
Clare Das
Clare is the pulmonary hypertension clinical nurse specialist who leads the pulmonary hypertension nursing service.
Sally Reddecliffe
Sally is a pulmonary hypertension clinical nurse specialist who joined the team last December and works alongside Clare to run the service.
Louise Davis
Louise is the research and education nurse for rheumatology. Louise focuses mainly on patient education for the rheumatology service.
Rachel Ochiel
Rachel joined the team in April 2006 as the clinical trials nurse for the rheumatology and pulmonary hypertension services.
Rachel Vincent
Rachel is currently on maternity leave.