One-Stop Rheumatology Clinics

Clinician having a consultation with a female patient

What is a One-Stop Clinic?

A One-Stop Clinic is designed to streamline your care by bringing together assessment, diagnosis, and treatment into a single visit. This means fewer appointments, less travel, and faster access to the care you need.

You’ll be seen by a team of specialists. Together, they work to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to your health and bone and joint conditions.

What to expect on the day

When you arrive:

You’ll have a full assessment with a clinician, just like a standard appointment.
The clinician will have access to support where required by a Rheumatology Consultant to ensure the best shared decision plan is developed to meet your needs.
You may also meet other members of the team (such as therapists specialised in pain management or health coaching) who can deliver additional aspects of your care during the same visit.
A personalised care plan will be agreed with you, based on your goals and the nature of your condition.

This collaborative approach means:

You won’t need to repeat your story multiple times.
Your care is planned and delivered by a team working together in real time.
You may be asked to wait briefly if additional input is needed.

Please allow up to 90 minutes for your visit, although many patients complete their care in less time.

Your choice matters

If you prefer a traditional one-to-one appointment instead of attending a One-Stop Clinic, that’s absolutely fine. Just contact your local service and we’ll arrange this for you.

If you no longer need care, please let us know using the same contact details so we can update your records.

Services near you

What if I need hospital care?

Your options will be discussed with you during your visit. If your care needs to be transferred to a hospital service, the team can refer you on the day. However, many conditions can be effectively managed within our community services, which may be more convenient and just as effective. We’ll help you understand all the options available.

How effective are One-Stop Clinics?

An evaluation by Imperial College found that Rheumatology One-Stop Clinics:

Significantly reduced waiting times for diagnosis.
Enabled quicker access to treatment.
Delivered high levels of patient satisfaction.

This model is now endorsed by NHS England and is being adopted across the country to improve patient care.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Click or tap the + sign to expand the questions below.

You’ll receive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning in one visit, reducing the need for multiple appointments and helping you start your recovery sooner.

You may be seen by a combination of Rheumatology, Advanced Practice, and clinicians. These professionals work together to provide a comprehensive and coordinated care plan.

No. The team works collaboratively and shares information during your visit, so you won’t need to repeat your history multiple times.

Please allow up to 90 minutes for your visit. Some patients may complete their care in less time depending on their needs.

You can choose to have a standard one-to-one appointment instead. Simply find your local service, get in touch and we’ll arrange it for you.

Yes. If hospital care or diagnostics are appropriate, the team can make a referral on the day. OSC’s may have provision of diagnostic ultrasound and where this is needed, can be arranged on the same day for you. Many conditions can be managed effectively within community services, which will also be discussed with you. The service may request whoever referred you to arrange some tests in advance (such as blood tests) if this will help enable your care to be actioned on the day of your appointment, with that information already available.

Yes. Research by Imperial College showed high patient satisfaction, faster diagnosis, and quicker access to treatment. NHS England has endorsed this model for wider use.

Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement and bring any relevant medical information or previous treatment notes if available. You will most likely be required to have a physical examination to any relevant joint or muscles pains you are consulting about, so ideally clothing that can allow for you to be examined is very useful.

Where possible, management for your condition / symptoms may begin during your visit. If further sessions are needed, they will be arranged promptly.

Got any questions?

If you have any questions about this service, please find a service near you and use the contact details on that page.