Paediatric Rheumatology
Royal Manchester Children's Hospital
Paediatric Rheumatology at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital
Manchester Paediatric Rheumatology is at the forefront of managing juvenile onset autoimmune and inflammatory diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and complex fever syndromes. Our centre serves a diverse population in the North‑West of England, contributing the largest cohorts to national studies such as the Juvenile Dermatomyositis Cohort Biomarker Study (JDCB) and the Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (JSLE) cohort.
Why Choose Royal Manchester Children Hospital?
- Expert multidisciplinary team: 6 paediatric rheumatology consultants, 5 specialist nurses, 2 extended scope physiotherapy practitioners, and a robust chronic pain service.
- National training excellence: RMCH is a long‑standing endorsed centre for paediatric rheumatology Grid training, recognised by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
- Research leadership: As part of the NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Research Unit, our team collaborates with the University of Manchester and contributes to national biologics registries, advancing understanding of childhood arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, and biologic therapies.
- Prestigious collaborations: Close links with the Kelgren Centre for Rheumatology, a centre of excellence for Behçet’s and Lupus, and strong partnerships with adult clinical research facilities and the Centre for Musculoskeletal Research at the University of Manchester.
- Seamless transition care: Dedicated transfer‑to‑adult service clinics ensures continuity of care and training in transitional models.
Fellowships and observerships at Manchester Specialist Health Academy provide international clinicians with structured opportunities to experience high quality healthcare training within a leading NHS environment. Both pathways offer consultant oversight, a clear induction, and access to modern clinical settings that support a strong understanding of advanced patient care. Participants are welcomed into a professional community that encourages learning, collaboration, and engagement with the culture of Manchester.
While fellows take part in more in depth clinical development, gaining exposure to subspecialties, procedures and research, observers focus on shadowing and understanding multidisciplinary practice within NHS services. Both groups benefit from involvement in clinics, team discussions, and wider learning activities such as simulation sessions, CPD opportunities, and quality improvement insight.
Academic contributions and awards
The Paediatric Rheumatology service is linked to academic activity in paediatric and adolescent rheumatology, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis, juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus, clinical guidance and communication in specialist care.
Relevant publications include:
- The Need for Weight Communication Guidelines in Pediatric Rheumatology, with Hanna Lythgoe affiliated to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and the University of Manchester.
- The 2026 British Society for Rheumatology guideline for the management of children, young people and adults with systemic lupus erythematosus, including Hanna Lythgoe from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
- Executive Summary: The 2026 British Society for Rheumatology guideline for the management of children, young people and adults with systemic lupus erythematosus, including Hanna Lythgoe from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
Rare and complex cases
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, including multisystem disease.
- Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Vasculitis and connective tissue disease.
- Autoinflammatory and autoimmune presentations.
- Inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions.
- Uveitis and other extra-articular complications.
- Complex pain and long-term condition management.
- Transition planning with adult rheumatology services.
Why Manchester?
Manchester is a city of innovation and progress, renowned as the world’s first industrial city and still leading in science, healthcare, and technology. With excellent transport links and a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere, it offers an inclusive environment for learning and professional growth.
Beyond your placement, Manchester offers something for everyone - from watching the iconic Manchester derby to exploring world-class museums and galleries. With vibrant music, sport, and culture, the city truly has it all. Combining heritage and modernity, it creates a unique setting for personal enrichment and memorable experiences whilst you develop professionally.
Our signature programmes
Observership
Paediatric Rheumatology
Objectives
By the end of the placement, the visiting professional should be able to:
- Describe paediatric rheumatology care within a busy tertiary children’s hospital.
- Understand assessment pathways for autoimmune and musculoskeletal disease.
- Recognise how rare and complex paediatric rheumatology cases are managed.
- Describe the role of multidisciplinary teams in paediatric rheumatology care.
- Understand how research, teaching and clinical practice support specialist service delivery.
- Recognise the principles of safe, supervised practice within an NHS setting.
Eligibility
- The visiting professional must have sufficient English language skills to engage meaningfully in the observership.
Fellowship
Paediatric Rheumatology
Overview
A Paediatric Rheumatology Fellowship at RMCH offers senior trainees and post-CCT clinicians the opportunity to develop subspecialty expertise in a busy, high-volume tertiary centre.
Fellows will have the opportunity to:
- Hone advanced clinical skills in paediatric rheumatology.
- Gain exposure to rare and complex paediatric autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions.
- Participate in research projects with opportunities for publication and collaboration.
- Access specialist education that combines clinical practice, research and teaching.
Paediatric Rheumatology at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital offers a fellowship programme that brings together clinical excellence, national training recognition and internationally significant research collaboration. The service provides a strong environment for fellows seeking to advance their expertise in paediatric autoimmune and musculoskeletal disease management.
Eligibility
- Postgraduate Qualification: Applicants must hold an overseas-recognised postgraduate medical qualification (MD, MS, Masters) in ophthalmology or a relevant specialty.
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years’ recent experience in ophthalmology or a related specialty within the last 5 years, including at least 12 months of continuous practice before applying.
- Training Level: Equivalent to ST5 or above, or post-CCT clinicians seeking subspecialty exposure.
- Language Proficiency: IELTS Academic with 7.0 in each band and overall 7.5, or OET Medicine with Grade B in all domains, with certificate validity within 24 months.
- Registration: GMC registration is required for fellowship activity. Sponsorship support may be available through approved routes where appropriate.
- Applicants must not have failed PLAB exams previously.
- Visa sponsorship is only available through approved routes; self-funded visas outside agreed schemes are excluded.