What is Rheumatology?
Rheumatology is the specialty of medicine that includes arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
Arthritis means inflammation of a joint. A joint is where two or more bones meet and move in relation to each other. They are separated by a rubbery substance called cartilage which is smooth and slippery, allowing for easy movement.
Autoimmune disease is where an abnormality in the immune system leads to the body’s defence harming its own cells by mistake.
A rheumatologist is a doctor who has specialised in this area of medicine.
Rheumatology Services Provided by Counties Manukau District Health Board
Counties Manukau District Health Board Rheumatology Services are located at Middlemore Hospital, Manukau SuperClinic™, Botany SuperClinic™ and Pukekohe Hospital.
Inpatient Care Middlemore Hospital (Wards 2 and 23)
Inpatient care is provided for patients with acute (severe) illness associated with rheumatic disorders and also for some patients undergoing rehabilitation. Ward care is provided by a rheumatologist or registrar (a doctor training to become a specialist who is under supervision).
Outpatient Clinics
Outpatient clinics are held at:
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Osteoarthritis (OA)
Otherwise known as degenerative arthritis. OA occurs when there is a breakdown of the cartilage, leaving the bones unprotected...
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
RA is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints...
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Fibromyalgia
This is a syndrome of widespread aches, pains and fatigue...
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
This is an autoimmune disease where the immune system harms cells of the body. It can affect the joints, skin, nervous system, kidneys and heart. It is a disease for which there is no cure...
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Giant Cell Arteritis/Temporal Arteritis
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) also known as temporal arteritis, is an inflammatory condition of the blood vessels and can present with headache, jaw claudication, scalp tenderness or other more vague symptoms...
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Gout
Gout is one of the most common forms of arthritis (joint inflammation)...
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Medicine Information Sheets
Please click on the following links for information sheets on: Alendronate (Fosamax) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories Azathioprine Cyclophosphamide Hydroxychloroquine Methotrexate Prednisone Sulphasalazine (Salazopyrin)
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Spinal Disorders (subacute backpain)
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Regional Musculoskeletal Syndrome (soft tissue rheumatism)
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Joint Injections
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There are no charges for services to public patients if you are lawfully in New Zealand and meet one of the Eligibility Directions specified criteria set by the Ministry of Health.
If you do not meet the criteria, you will be required to pay for the full costs of any medical treatment you receive during your stay.
To check whether you meet the specified eligibility criteria, visit the Ministry of Health website www.moh.govt.nz/eligibility
For any applicable charges, please phone the Accounts Receivable Office on (09) 2760060.
Rheumatologist
Available at all locations.
Rheumatologist, Clinical Head
Available at all locations.
Rheumatologist
Available at
Botany SuperClinic™,
Manukau SuperClinic™,
Middlemore Hospital
Rheumatologist
Available at
Botany SuperClinic™,
Manukau SuperClinic™,
Middlemore Hospital
Rheumatologist
Available at
Botany SuperClinic™,
Manukau SuperClinic™,
Middlemore Hospital
Note: Please note above that some people are not available at all locations.
Visiting times are between 2pm and 8pm. Visitors are restricted to two at a time.
Children are welcome, but must be supervised by an adult.
Useful links to Rheumatology information
The New Zealand Rheumatology Association (NZRA)
The NZRA is the organisation that represents the rheumatologists of New Zealand. The site has a rheumatologist directory, patient information and general information.
Health Navigator
Health Navigator has extensive information about Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and other health conditions.
Treatment of Gout - Hit the Target
An article about Gout - What is Gout? How to treat? Indications for Uric acid lowering therapy, lifestyle interventions, prevalence and impact of gout and more.
