Our team includes five specialist doctors called rheumatologists and one doctor in training. Our rheumatologists are: Dr James Bertouch, Dr Arvin Damodaran, Dr Amel Katrib, A/Prof Anthony Sammel and Dr Hugh Caterson.  

We work closely with other medical and surgical services including renal medicine, ophthalmology, dermatology, immunology, respiratory, cardiology, orthopaedic and vascular surgery.

Radiology, nuclear medicine and NSW Health Pathology provide on-site imaging and pathology support for our service.

We work closely with physiotherapy and occupational therapy to provide strengthening and stretching exercises, hand therapy, splints, orthotics and hydrotherapy.

In these clinics, we provide specialist care for all types of rheumatic disease. Some of these are listed above.

We are a specialised service and care for people who have vasculitis. Vasculitis describes a group of uncommon diseases which cause inflamed blood vessels such as:

• Giant cell (temporal) arteritis
• Takayasu arteritis
• Polyarteritis nodosa
• ANCA associated vasculitis
• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegner Granulomatosis)
• Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Churg Strauss syndrome)
• Microscopic polyangiitis
• IgA / Henoch Schonlein Purpura
• Connective tissue disease vasculitis
• Drug induced vasculitis
• Infective and post-infective vasculitis
• Cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis
• Behcet and autoinflammatory vasculitis
• IgG4 vasculitis
• Cutaneous vasculitis
• Periaortitis / idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis
• Cogan Syndrome
• Organ limited (CNS, visceral, isolated aortitis).

We work with other hospital specialists and use the latest technology, emerging treatments and offer access to clinical trials.

We care for patients with systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAIDs). This rare group of diseases may also be called periodic fever syndromes. They occur when your body’s immune system is activated even when there is no infection. Some SAIDs have underlying genetic causes. SAID symptoms include recurrent and unexplained fevers as well as inflammation and pain in the skin, joints, abdomen, chest and eyes. Conditions include:

• Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)

• Cryopryrin associated periodic syndrome (CAPS)

• Tumour necrosis factor receptor associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS)

• VEXAS syndrome

• Adult onset Stills disease

• PFAPA (Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis)

• Mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD)

• Schnitzler Syndrome

• Sweet Syndrome

• Behcet disease

• Idiopathic recurrent pericarditis

• Haploinsufficiency of A20 (HA20)

• Deficiency of ADA2 (DADA2)

• Blau Syndrome

We work with other hospital specialists and use the latest technology, genetic testing, and emerging treatments to diagnose and manage patients with these conditions.

You will need a referral letter from your local general practitioner (GP) or specialty doctor to use this service. Your doctor will need to submit this referral electronically via Healthlink. Your referral will include your medical history, relevant test results, X-ray results and what medicines you are currently taking.

Once we receive this referral and accept it we will send you a letter with your appointment details. We will also send this to your doctor. If we cannot make an appointment for you, we will send you a letter confirming that you are on the waiting list for the next available appointment. If you change your address and/or phone number, please call 02 9382 0400.

If you need to change or cancel your appointment or no longer require an appointment/be on the waitlist, please call 02 9382 0400.

Please bring:

• Your referral letter from your GP if it hasn’t already been faxed
• Any blood test results you have relevant to the problem
• Any medical images and reports relevant to the problem
• Your Medicare card
• A list of your medicines or bring all your medicines in a bag, including any herbal or over the counter product
• You are welcome to bring a support person (a relative, friend or carer) with you.

When you come to our hospital for your appointment, you can check-in using our electronic check-in kiosks. These are located in our Adult Outpatient Department, Acute Services Building (Botany Street), High Street and Barker Street entrances.

You can find more inforamtion on these trusted websites:

https://rheumatology.org.au

https://arthritisaustralia.com.au

https://www.anzvasculitis.org

We are teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter before your appointment. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and call our Outpatient Department on 02 9382 0400. 

You will see Professor Kenneth Butcher, our medical specialist, one of our Stroke Nurse Practitioners, or training medical staff. Our doctors will assess, treat and help you manage your risk of stroke or TIA.

Our administration staff will help you make appointments and provide information about what happens at the clinic.

We work in partnership with your local GP, Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services, local pharmacies, and researchers from the University of NSW.

The clinics are held in Neurological Sciences, Level 2, High St Building, Prince of Wales Hospital.  

You can be referred from our Emergency Department, our specialist stroke unit, from your GP or another specialist doctor to use our services. They need to  send a referral to Prof Butcher explaining your medical history, relevant test results and what medicines you are taking.

Once we have your referral we will send you your appointment letter in the post. If you provide your phone number you will receive a phone call 2 days before your appointment. 

If you need to change or cancel your appointment please telephone the clinic on 9382 2414.

If you are admitted to our specialty stroke unit, you will be given one of these on leaving to wear for 4 weeks.

The HeartBug will monitor your heart rhythm. You will be sent a message when this has been activated so that you can record your symptoms on your mobile phone. We will show you how to use this, but for more information please watch this video.

This can then be returned to us when you come for your appointment in the Stroke and TIA Prevention or Stroke Follow Up clinic.

If you are worried that you, or your family/friend is having a stroke or TIA, dial 000 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

You can find the signs and symptoms for stroke or TIA in this Stroke Foundation information.

If you have other concerns, start by making an appointment with your GP to discuss your health. If your GP needs some advice they can telephone the specialist doctor at the clinic.

Your GP is your primary health care provider and it is important that you continue to visit them. Our specialist doctor will send a letter to your GP after your clinic appointment.

Stroke Unit (Acute)

We have a dedicated ward in our hospital for stroke or TIA patients.

Stroke Follow Up Clinic

If you have had a stroke and been cared for in our Acute Stroke Unit or Rehabilitation ward, you might visit our Follow Up Clinic once you have left hospital. This is run by a specialist nurse and they will check in on your recovery. If you are required to attend this clinic, we will contact you to make an appointment. It is run at the same location and time as the Stroke and TIA Prevention Clinic.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

We are teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

For more information on stroke:

Stroke Foundation

Stroke Recovery Association NSW

The remote monitoring app is available to all patients who meet certain criteria.

If you meet the criteria, our Community Management Centre staff will contact you. They will loan you equipment including a blood pressure monitor, weighing scales and a pulse oximeter which measures your oxygen level. They will educate you about the equipment and smartphone app and answer your questions.

You can use the remote monitoring service for 6 months. After this, your cardiologist or nurse practitioner will decide with you when you are managing your condition well and no longer need this service.

The remote monitoring app is available to all patients who meet certain criteria.

If you meet the criteria, our Community Management Centre staff will contact you. They will loan you equipment including a blood pressure monitor, weighing scales and a pulse oximeter which measures your oxygen level. They will educate you about the equipment and smartphone app and answer your questions.

You can use the remote monitoring service for 6 months. After this, your cardiologist or nurse practitioner will decide with you when you are managing your condition well and no longer need this service.

Our team includes:

• Medical staff
• Nursing staff
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational therapists
• Dietician
• Speech Therapists
• Social workers
• Psychologist
• Orthotists

You are the central member of your health care team. We will work together with you to set your individual goals and enable personalised rehabilitation that maximises your potential and transition back to the community.

You will need a referral letter from your local general practitioner (GP) or specialty doctor to use this service. Your doctor will need to submit this referral electronically via Healthlink. Your referral will include your medical history, relevant test results, X-ray results and what medicines you are currently taking.

Once we receive this referral and accept it we will send you a letter with your appointment details. We will also send this to your doctor. If we cannot make an appointment for you, we will send you a letter confirming that you are on the waiting list for the next available appointment. If you change your address and/or phone number, please call 02 9382 5847, 02 9382 5931 or 02 9382 5163.

If you need to change or cancel your appointment or no longer require an appointment/be on the waitlist, please call 002 9382 5847, 02 9382 5931 or 02 9382 5163.

You will need to bring:

• Medicare card
• Health care card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Previous xrays, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results
• Your regular medicines and a list of all that you are currently taking (or the boxes), including those you take without a prescription such as herbal supplements or vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame.
• Your referral from your GP (local doctor) is essential.

When you come to our hospital for your appointment, you can check-in using our electronic check-in kiosks. These are located in our Adult Outpatient Department, Acute Services Building (Botany Street), High Street and Barker Street entrances.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter before your appointment date. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and call 02 9382 5847, 02 9382 5931 or 02 9382 5163.

Our team includes:

• Medical staff
• Nursing staff
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational therapists
• Dietician
• Speech Therapists
• Social workers
• Psychologist
• Orthotists

You are the central member of your health care team. We will work together with you to set your individual goals and enable personalised rehabilitation that maximises your potential and transition back to the community.

You will need a referral letter from your local general practitioner (GP) or specialty doctor to use this service. Your doctor will need to submit this referral electronically via Healthlink. Your referral will include your medical history, relevant test results, X-ray results and what medicines you are currently taking.

Once we receive this referral and accept it we will send you a letter with your appointment details. We will also send this to your doctor. If we cannot make an appointment for you, we will send you a letter confirming that you are on the waiting list for the next available appointment. If you change your address and/or phone number, please call 02 9382 5847, 02 9382 5931 or 02 9382 5163.

If you need to change or cancel your appointment or no longer require an appointment/be on the waitlist, please call 002 9382 5847, 02 9382 5931 or 02 9382 5163.

You will need to bring:

• Medicare card
• Health care card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Previous xrays, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results
• Your regular medicines and a list of all that you are currently taking (or the boxes), including those you take without a prescription such as herbal supplements or vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame.
• Your referral from your GP (local doctor) is essential.

When you come to our hospital for your appointment, you can check-in using our electronic check-in kiosks. These are located in our Adult Outpatient Department, Acute Services Building (Botany Street), High Street and Barker Street entrances.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter before your appointment date. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and call 02 9382 5847, 02 9382 5931 or 02 9382 5163.

We care for people who want to recover function or independence after a:

• Stroke
• Neurological condition such as cerebral aneurysm, multiple sclerosis, parkinson’s disease, neuropathy or polio
• Arm or leg amputation
• Bone, muscle or joint problem
• Spinal injury
• Period in hospital where they have lost some function or ability.

Our team includes:

• Medical staff
• Nursing staff
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational therapists
• Dietician
• Speech Therapists
• Social workers
• Psychologist
• Orthotists

You are the central member of your rehabilitation team. We will work together with you to set your individual goals and enable personalised rehabilitation that maximises your potential and transition back to the community.

We believe research helps us improve what we do and we test and introduce new, proven techniques. You will sometimes be asked whether you wish to participate in research projects. We will always respect your right to decline if you don’t wish to participate.

We are a teaching hospital and have many team members who are trainees. Interns  are newly qualified doctors. The registrar looking after you is in training to become a specialist in rehabilitation medicine. The nursing staff will often include students from our affiliated Universities working under supervision, as do our physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, speech pathology and dietician staff. Be assured that they are all well-supervised by fully accredited senior staff members.

Even our experienced permanent staff members are committed to continual education to keep up to date and to learn new ways of working and supporting your recovery.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

We care for people who want to recover function or independence after a:

• Stroke
• Neurological condition such as cerebral aneurysm, multiple sclerosis, parkinson’s disease, neuropathy or polio
• Arm or leg amputation
• Bone, muscle or joint problem
• Spinal injury
• Period in hospital where they have lost some function or ability.

Our team includes:

• Medical staff
• Nursing staff
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational therapists
• Dietician
• Speech Therapists
• Social workers
• Psychologist
• Orthotists

You are the central member of your rehabilitation team. We will work together with you to set your individual goals and enable personalised rehabilitation that maximises your potential and transition back to the community.

We believe research helps us improve what we do and we test and introduce new, proven techniques. You will sometimes be asked whether you wish to participate in research projects. We will always respect your right to decline if you don’t wish to participate.

We are a teaching hospital and have many team members who are trainees. Interns  are newly qualified doctors. The registrar looking after you is in training to become a specialist in rehabilitation medicine. The nursing staff will often include students from our affiliated Universities working under supervision, as do our physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, speech pathology and dietician staff. Be assured that they are all well-supervised by fully accredited senior staff members.

Even our experienced permanent staff members are committed to continual education to keep up to date and to learn new ways of working and supporting your recovery.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Our team includes doctors, nurses and allied health staff who work together with you, your family and carer to meet your physical, mental and emotional needs while you are in hospital and to begin planning for when you leave hospital.

The aged care wards offer nursing care to patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A doctor is always on call. Other members of the team are available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Our nurses will try to connect you with other members of staff at your request but, depending on the time and day and the seriousness of the situation, you may have to wait, particularly when it is after hours or on the weekend. We know this can be frustrating, especially if you are worried about your relative, and will do what we can to answer questions in the meantime.

We value your opinions and know that clear communication is essential for your care. If you do not understand anything please ask us:

• Why are you doing that?
• What does that word mean?
• What does that procedure involve?
• What alternatives are there?
• What side-effects might there be?
• How will this help?

When it comes to sharing information with family and friends, it is helpful if one person takes responsibility for asking staff for updates and passing this information on to the others.

What happens if my relative is transferred to another ward in the hospital?

Sometimes, due to bed availability or specific care needs of a patient, patients may be admitted to other wards around the hospital. These patients will still be cared for by the aged care team and will be seen on a regular basis.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

www.myagedcare.gov.au is an Australian Government website and national phone line (1800 200 422) with up-to-date information about Australia’s aged care system and services. It assists people to navigate the aged care system and provides referrals for assessment and service provision

The Aged Care Information Line provides information on home and community care and financial benefits. Telephone 1800 500 853 TTY 1800 555 677