Prof Karl Gaffney

Prof Karl Gaffney

Consultant Rheumatologist

MB, BCh, BAO (Hons), FRCPI, FRCP


Specialises in

  • Back pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sports medicine

Also available for:

Virtual consultations:

I have been a Consultant Rheumatologist in Norwich since 1995 where I am Service Lead for axial spondyloarthritis (including ankylosing spondylitis), adolescent rheumatology and osteoporosis.

I am an Honorary Professor at Norwich Medical School, Chair of the Medical Advisory Board and trustee of the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society, founder member, treasurer and chair-elect of the British Society for Spondyloarthritis, Chair of the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR), Axial SpA Biologics Guidelines Committee, Vice-chair of the BSR Heberden Committee, Associate editor Rheumatology, Co-director and founder of the East of England and London Spondyloarthritis Academies, and an invited member of the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society.

I have also represented the BSR and NASS at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) appraisal of biological therapies since 2007. I was Rheumatology Service Director from 2008 until 2016, Director of Postgraduate Education in Norwich between 1999 and 2005, and Director of Rheumatology Training, Eastern Deanery between 2001 and 2007.

With NASS I have co-developed primary and secondary care educational programmes for healthcare professionals, including back pain seminars, Meeting in a Box, Back in Focus, Solving Spondyloarthritis, RCGP elearning modules, NASS Allies and Back Pain Plus. These initiatives have been awarded national and European awards for excellence in healthcare communication.

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General Medical Council Number: C3622210

Treatment information

Some of the principal treatments carried out by Prof Karl Gaffney at Spire include:

Rheumatology

Other treatments

  • Connective tissue disease
  • Inflammatory rheumatic disorders
  • Lumbar spine disorders
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Soft tissue rheumatism
  • Sports medicine
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis (Axial Axial spondyloarthritis)
  • Crystal arthritis

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Important information about COVID-19 tests

COVID-19 testing or antibody tests are not available as a standalone service at Spire Norwich Hospital.

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Additional information

Rheumatology
Back pain
Connective tissue disease
Inflammatory rheumatic disorders
Lumbar spine disorders
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Pain management
Rheumatoid arthritis
Soft tissue rheumatism
Sports and exercise medicine

Special clinical interests: Ankylosing spondilitis; crystal arthritis; carpal tunnel syndrome.

Professional memberships

Fellow, Royal College of Physicians, London & Ireland

Member, British Society of Rheumatology (External Relations and Guidelines Committee)

Medical Advisor and Trustee National Ankylosing Spondilitis Society

President, National Osteoporosis Society (Norfolk branch)

Professional leadership

British Socity for Spondyloarthritis
Chair, British Society for Rheumatology (BSR)
Vice-chair, BSR Heberden Committee
Co-director and founder, East of Enland and London Spondyloarthritis Academies

My current research interests include epidemiology, dose optimisation and extra-articular manifestations of axial SpA.

I oversee large clinical trials programmes and collaborate with other national and international centres. I have published over 100 papers and have been an invited speaker at national and international meetings.

Consultant Rheumatologist and Clinical Director, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust.

Honorary Senior Lecturer University of East Anglia.

Chair Rheumatology Training, East of England Deanery.

Telephone 01603 255 574
Website http://www.karlgaffney.co.uk
Private secretary Chloe Baker
Private secretary telephone 07440 171 960
Private secretary email chloe.medicalsecretary@outlook.com