Dr Rikesh Patel

I am a dual-accredited Consultant Rheumatologist and Internal Medicine Physician with a primary specialist interest in complex connective tissue disease and vasculitis, particularly Giant cell arteritis (inflammation of the lining of the arteries), Takayasu arteritis (a form of vasculitis or inflammation of the blood vessels), and polymyalgia rheumatica.

I have broad expertise in the diagnosis, assessment and management of the full spectrum of inflammatory and non-inflammatory rheumatic disease. I take particular satisfaction in working within true multidisciplinary teams involving physiotherapists, radiologists, surgeons, sports medicine colleagues and allied professionals to deliver comprehensive and patient-centred care.

I provide a full Rheumatology service offering comprehensive diagnosis, assessment, imaging and management of musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions. This includes the initiation, prescribing and monitoring of conventional Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARD) therapy where necessary. 

I manage the full range of rheumatic disorders including inflammatory arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis), crystal arthropathies, complex soft tissue disorders and other autoimmune conditions.

I am joint Clinical Lead for Rheumatology across Manchester Royal Infirmary and North Manchester General Hospital, within Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. In this role, I provide clinical leadership for services at both sites, supporting service development, governance, complex case management, and regional collaboration, particularly within tertiary connective tissue disease and vasculitis pathways.