Rheumatology patients are benefiting from a new facility at the Royal Cornwall Hospital thanks to a donation from the Cornwall Arthritis Trust and a generous gift from one of the department’s patients.

A new phlebotomy room has been opened in the Rheumatology Department where patient blood samples are taken. It’s a familiar part of outpatient appointments for rheumatology outpatients whose medication and treatment involves careful blood monitoring.

Clinical nurse specialist, Hayley Warner said: “We’ve converted a former laboratory room thanks to the donations we’ve received. We have been able to buy new equipment, chairs, a radio and posters to decorate the walls. We see patients from children to teenagers, adults and the elderly. Many of them have to come regularly and the new room will make a big difference to their experience.”

The Cornwall Arthritis Trust has donated £3,000 towards the project and a further contribution has been made by patient Gillian Jelbert, from Penzance, who used her Ruby wedding anniversary celebration to raise money for the Rheumatology Department instead of receiving gifts.

The rheumatology team, which includes 4 consultants, 2 specialist nurses and a pharmacist, caters for around 9000 clinic appointments at the Royal Cornwall Hospital each year and many more at seven other locations around the county. Clinical Nurse Specialist, Gail Wilson added “The purpose-designed phlebotomy room will help the team to improve the efficiency of the clinics in Truro but most importantly will provide a far better environment for our patients.”

Gillian Jelbert and Cornwall Arthritis Trust Treasurer, Peter Cloak, recently visited the department to officially open the phlebotomy room.

Peter explained, “The Cornwall Arthritis Trust is delighted to be able to provide extras for the Rheumatology Unit for the benefit of the patients and staff. This is largely made possible through donations and legacies and we are extremely grateful to all those who continue to support the Trust."

Among other items the Cornwall Arthritis Trust has recently funded are new seating for the waiting area as well as a ‘You Said, We Did’ board which is used to keep patients up to date with improvements that have been made as a result of their feedback.

If you would like to support the Cornwall Arthritis Trust, contact Jo Wright in the Rheumatology Department at RCHT on 01872 25 3792.