The George Koukis Paediatric Rheumatology
Service at Evelina Children’s Hospital

£1.875m Gift Brings World-Class Paediatric Rheumatology Services
to Nearly 8 Million Londoners

(Left to Right) Aditi Surelia, Eunice Godbold, Hazel Bartley, George Koukis and Dr. Nick Wilkinson
“

This is an exceptional gift providing transformational support for children’s health. George’s generosity has given us the confidence and flexibility to look at new avenues and connections in rheumatology–and a platform from which we can build something exciting.

 

In nine months we [had] achieved what would take five or six years: we have already set up a one-stop shop clinic with access to ophthalmology and ultrasound as well as all members of the rheumatology team in one visit. We have received hundreds of new referrals from across south London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex and provided the very latest treatments for many of these.

—Dr. Nick WilkinsonConsultant Paediatric Rheumatologist
“

In just 18 months since the service was established, the team has become firmly embedded in the fabric of the hospital and beyond, working collaboratively with other teams to deliver seamless, holistic care tailored to meet our young patients' needs.

 

Since July 2014, the team has seen over 550 new outpatients, over 800 follow-up patients and over 150 inpatients. These numbers do not include the ... additional 90 new patients and 80 followup patients Nick sees in the team's outreach clinics.

—Dr. Grenville FoxConsultant Neonatologist & Joint Clinical Director of the Evelina London Children's Hospital

Addressing a Need Close to His Heart

Mr. Koukis wanted to support the new service after recognizing the lack of pediatric specialist expertise for children and adolescents with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Pediatric rheumatology covers not only juvenile arthritis but also conditions that threaten any organ of the body such as lupus, juvenile dermatomyositis, and scleroderma, or cause chronic widespread pain—all have profound effects on young peoples’ lives.

A committed philanthropist and long-term supporter of King’s Health Partners, Mr. Koukis also has a personal connection with the hospital, as his daughter Joanne has juvenile onset arthritis and was treated at St. Thomas’ for many years as an adult.

UK Prime Minister Presents NRAS Award to George Koukis Pediatric Rheumatology Service Team

(Left to Right): Eunice Godbold, clinical nurse specialist; UK Prime Minister Theresa May; Alisa Bosworth, Chief Executive, NRAS, and Dr. Nick Wilkinson, lead for rheumatology at Evelina London.

On November 2, 2016, the George Koukis Paediatric Rheumatology Service at Evelina London Children’s Healthcare was presented the prestigious Healthcare Champions Award from the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). The award was presented to the team by UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, at a special reception held at the House of Commons. The NRAS Healthcare Champions Award recognizes excellence in caring for patients living with juvenile arthritis and other complex rheumatological and musculoskeletal conditions.

Two years after the George Koukis Paediatric Rheumatology Service team was established, it has seen almost 1,000 new patients, often through one-stop shop weekly clinics, where patients have access not only to world-class pediatric rheumatologists, but also to eye specialists (who monitor associated eye inflammation), physiotherapists, nurse specialists, occupational therapists, and psychologists. The clinics have led to a 60% reduction in appointments, faster decisions, and fewer days absent from school.

Dr. Nick Wilkinson, lead for rheumatology at Evelina London, said, “We are honoured to accept this award from the NRAS. Our rheumatology service is committed to delivering the best possible care for our patients living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other complex conditions. To be nominated for this award directly by patients means a great deal, and we are very proud of this achievement.”

The Healthcare Champions Awards are organized by NRAS to raise awareness of rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and to celebrate the dedication, professionalism and excellent care given by healthcare professionals who go the extra mile to provide the best possible outcomes. NRAS members across the UK were asked to nominate healthcare professionals for the awards and a panel of judges selected the final 10 winners, with Evelina London being one of them.

Commenting on the Healthcare Champions Awards Ailsa Bosworth, Chief Executive, NRAS said, “Many congratulations to the Evelina London team on winning this award, which is a reflection of your passion and commitment to providing such excellent care. Once again I am enormously impressed by the dedication of our health professionals and so proud that we are having the opportunity to celebrate the good work of our Healthcare Champions. I would like to thank all those who wrote in with their nominations and applaud all our winners for their professionalism and excellence of care.”