Rheumatology patients will now be able to request their repeat prescriptions for their rheumatological medications through the GHA website by filling a form online. The form can be accessed on the following link: https://www.gha.gi/rheumatology-department-repeat-prescription-form/

The new service will be far simpler to use for patients, safer and more effective, as all the requirements for the dispensation of DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs), including the mandatory blood test, will be coordinated by Consultant Rheumatologist Dr Eva Palkonyai.   

The GHA’s first ever dedicated, full time rheumatology clinic represents an enhancement of health care facilities. In the past, arrangements were more complicated as there was a nurse specialist attending this category of patients or handling the prescriptions, in addition to his other clinical responsibilities. The service was also ably supported by a visiting Rheumatologist, Dr Waji Hassan, for well over a decade.

For those who are not computer literate, the nurse secretary at the rheumatology clinic at St Bernard’s Hospital will continue to attend to face-to-face or telephone inquiries on Fridays between 9am-3pm. 

Through the GHA website, rheumatology patients will now have timely access to their medication and the appropriate blood test monitoring. All prescription requests will come through to Dr Palkonyai and will be processed in a period of two weeks. 

GPs cannot ordinarily prescribe certain rheumatology medications as they require secondary care oversight including a blood test. The biological treatment for inflammatory rheumatology diseases can be prescribed only by rheumatologists. 

Dr Palkonyai, who has been in post for only five months, said that the new arrangements represent a big change that benefits the patients and the GHA. 

GHA Director General Kevin McGee said: “This is excellent news. Giving rheumatology patients the possibility of accessing their rheumatology medication by filling in a form on the GHA website is a great improvement as it will become much easier for them to do so. My thanks to Eva and her team for this successful initiative which will benefit the relevant group of health users in the system.” 

Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: "This new online service makes it easier, safer and faster for rheumatology patients to access their medication. Dr Palkonyai’s work is already making a real difference, and this is a clear example of our commitment to improving specialist care across the GHA."