PEOPLE living in Thetford will have access specialist care on their doorstep when new rheumatology clinics are rolled out in the town.

PEOPLE living in Thetford will have access specialist care on their doorstep when new rheumatology clinics are rolled out in the town.

Patients with joint disease and other related problems can now benefit from an extension of services by West Suffolk Hospital.

New clinics will be introduced in Thetford and Botesdale while extra rheumatology clinics will be held in Sudbury and Newmarket.

Consultant rheumatologist at West Suffolk Hospital, David O'Reilly, said: “In early rheumatoid arthritis, rapid treatment now can bring early remission and complete avoidance of damage and disability.

“Patients with new symptoms suspicious of joint inflammation should see their GP as our early arthritis service can offer rapid access for such patients.

“The early arthritis service can offer appointments within two weeks or sooner if necessary. Patients can choose which clinic to attend and will receive a full service at the location of their choice.

“We hope that this expansion of our service will bring huge benefits to patients by reducing the distance they need to travel for treatment while keeping waiting times to a minimum.”

Following a referral from their GP, new patients will be able to arrange an appointment at the most convenient clinic.

Patients who already attend the hospital can change the location of their appointments by calling the appointments office on 01284 713713.

The extension of the service has been made possible following the appointment of an additional consultant, Nilay Joshi, which takes the total number of consultants at the hospital to three.

Sue Skingle, an experienced specialist rheumatology nurse, has also joined the team.