The Rheumatology Telephone Advice Line 

Patient Information

Rheumatology Service

• Author ID:           AS
• Leaflet Ref:         RH 002
• Version:              13
• Leaflet title:         The Rheumatology Telephone Advice Line
• Date Produced:   August 2025
• Expiry Date:        August 2027

The Rheumatology Telephone Advice Line

The telephone number is 01257 256242.

The aim of the Rheumatology Telephone Advice Line

The purpose of this service is to provide advice and support for patients with rheumatological conditions attending Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Hospitals.

The Advice Line is not an emergency service

If you require urgent medical advice, you must contact your General Practitioner (GP), attend your local Accident and Emergency Department or Walk-in Centre.

When should you call the Advice Line?

You should call the Advice Line:

• If you have a ‘flare up’ of your condition that has not improved with your usual self-help treatments.
• If you are experiencing side effects which you feel may be caused by the medication prescribed for your arthritis.
• If you have concerns about your symptoms or management that need to be addressed before your next appointment.

How does the Advice Line work?

The Advice Line is an answerphone. Please leave the following information on the answer- phone:

• Your full name
• Your hospital number or date of birth
• A telephone number where we can contact you
• The reason for your call

A Rheumatology Nurse will listen to your message and return your call within 2 working days. Please note that the advice line is only available from 8am until 12 noon Monday to Friday. If you still require advice, you will need to contact the advice line again.

Useful telephone numbers

Repeat prescriptions/prescription queries and shared care

Telephone: 01257 488243

Rheumatology appointments

Telephone: 01257 256241

Telephone: 01257 256222

Telephone: 01257 256224 

Podiatry appointments Telephone: 01257 256389

Occupational Therapy

Telephone: 01257 256306

Physiotherapy

Telephone: 01257 256305

Joint injections appointments

Telephone: 01257 256228

Blood Test Appointments

Telephone: 01942 773151

Blood Forms

Telephone: 01257 256587

Consultant Secretaries can be reached on:

Dr Gladston-Chelliah

Telephone: 01257 256239

Dr Syed

Telephone: 01257 256238

Dr Chitale

Telephone: 01257 256238

For non-urgent enquiries email:

wwl-tr.rheumatology.wrightington@nhs.net