The 18-week inflammatory arthritis pathway
(National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society,
2007) and the NHS Choose and Book referral
service are two initiatives that are aimed at
facilitating timely and appropriate referrals to
specialist care. Some acute trusts offer ‘Early
RA’ clinics, which prioritizes these patients as
new referrals. However, most patients will be
seen in routine rheumatology clinics