A point of contact for patients and staff

The concept of nurses working in an extended role was formally introduced by the UKCC 12 years ago, but the role of the rheumatology practitioner had been evolving sporadically over the previous decade. This had resulted in a variety of job titles, including specialist and rheumatology practitioner, with accompanying different levels of resposibility. The changes to junior doctors' hours have meant that more nurses are taking on extended roles. Practitioners have also come from physiotherapy or occupational therapy backgrounds.