04 July 2023
A new Consultant Rheumatologist has been appointed to lead Jersey’s Rheumatology Service.
She will begin work later this month.
Dr Sofia Tosounidou, who trained in the Medical School at the University of Ioannina in
Greece, will join Health and Community Services (HCS) as Head of Rheumatology on 17 July
2023. Dr Tosounidou was previously Consultant Rheumatologist at the Sandwell and West
Birmingham NHS Trust and has been on the General Medical Council’s Specialist
Rheumatology Register since January 2015.
Dr Tosounidou’s appointment will strengthen the
Rheumatology Department and ensure high quality care for Rheumatology patients.
HCS is also making progress with the audit of patient records that was recommended by the
Royal College of Physicians, RCP, as part of its review into Jersey’s Rheumatology Service.
During the course of the review, the RCP recommended that HCS conduct an audit to check
the past care, treatment and diagnosis of a group of approximately 340 patients, all of whom
were prescribed a group of drugs known as “biologics”.
This audit was initially scheduled to be completed by the end of June, but one of the specialist
rheumatologists undertaking the audit had to take unexpected compassionate leave and the
audit is now scheduled to be completed by the end of July.
All the patients whose medical notes are being audited have been seen personally and their
present care and treatment has been reviewed by professionally trained, specialist
rheumatologists to ensure it is appropriate. The patient note audit is intended to check that in
the period before January 2022 these patients were accurately diagnosed and properly
treated.
The Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Karen Wilson said: “We remain fully
committed to ensuring a thorough review of the Rheumatology Service prior to January 2022.
I have confidence in the methodology we have used to audit these records and we will be able
to provide details on the findings of the audit once it is completed.
“I believe Dr Tosounidou’s appointment will now provide the leadership, reassurance and
quality of care our patients deserve and I am grateful for the insight and support she is
already providing for us.”
Dr Sofia Tosounidou, Consultant Rheumatologist (FRCP, UK) said “I am very much looking
forward to leading the Rheumatology Service in Jersey and working with colleagues within the
service and patients affected by rheumatic conditions to deliver evidence-based,
comprehensive and personalised care.”
The Chair of Jersey Arthritis Society, Maureen Parris, said: “The Jersey Arthritis Association
warmly welcomes the appointment of a Consultant Rheumatologist to head up the service in
Jersey. We look forward to meeting Dr Tosounidou when she joins us. Meanwhile, with respect
to the audit of patient notes, it is imperative that this is completed professionally and
thoroughly. Of course, we all want the answers as quickly as possible but it’s important we
ensure the answers are right.”
Any Rheumatology patient requiring further information about this matter can contact the
HCS PALS information service by email on pals@health.gov.je or by telephone on 01534
443515.
gov.je