RHEUMATOLOGY patients at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust will now be able to have treatment closer to home as new clinics began in Okehampton and Honiton hospitals last month.

Both hospitals now hold three appointment-only clinics each month allowing patients access to services closer to home and enabling the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital to reduce wait times.

Rheumatology clinics are already taking place in community hospitals across Devon including Crediton, Tiverton, Exmouth, Axminster and Seaton, where they have been extremely well received.

A further two clinics per month will take place in Exmouth and Axminster.

Fred Cock, Divisional Director, Surgical Services at the RD and E, said: “Rheumatology has been working closely with the Community Services to make health care services safe, sustainable and able to meet the future needs of our local population.

“We want to do more to improve the care people receive and how and where they receive it.  We have listened to patients, GP’s and community groups that people want their care delivered out of the hospital and in local communities and therefore with the expansion of the Consultant team we are excited to make this a reality for Rheumatology by offering new and follow up appointments.

"This in turn, will provide Rheumatology capacity at the RD and E which will reduce the waiting times for patients coming to the RD and E.”

Mel Stride, the MP for Central Devon, said: “This is very good news and a further step forward for Okehampton Hospital as it develops further as a well-being hub.”