Prof Karl Gaffney

Prof Karl Gaffney

Consultant Rheumatologist and Research Lead, NNUH

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 and adolescent / transition rheumatology.

I am an Honorary Professor at Norwich Medical School, Chair BRITSpA, Chair British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) axial SpA Targeted Therapy Guidelines Committee, member of the National Early Inflammatory Arthritis Project Working Group, invited member of the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society, former chair of the NASS medical advisory board and associated editor Rheumatology.

I have also represented the BSR and NASS at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) appraisal of targeted therapies since 2007. I was Rheumatology Service Director from 2008 until 2016, Director of Postgraduate Education in Norwich between 1999 and 2005, Director of Rheumatology Training, Eastern Deanery between 2001 and 2007 and Chair of the NASS Medical Advisory Board (2010-1022).

With NASS I have co-developed multiple primary and secondary care educational programs for healthcare professionals including Back Pain Seminars, Meeting in a Box, RCGP elearning modules, NASS Allies and Back Pain Plus. These initiatives have been awarded national and international awards for excellence in healthcare communication. I am co-lead clinician of the NASS National Gold Standard Delay to Diagnosis project, launched in June 2021. Personal awards include the NASS Unsung Hero Award and National Gold Changemaker Award (2023).

My research interests include epidemiology, dose optimisation and extra-articular manifestations of axial SpA. I oversee a large clinical trials programme and have published over 200 original papers. I am frequently an invited speaker at national and international meetings.

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General Medical Council Number: 3622210

Treatment information

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

Rheumatology

Other treatments

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

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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

Back pain
Connective tissue disease
Inflammatory rheumatic disorders
Lumbar spine disorders
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Pain management
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatology
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

Honorary Professor, Norwich Medical School
Chair, British Society for Spondyloarthritis
Director, Rheumatology Events
Chair, British Scoiety for Rheumatology axSpA guidelines group

A full list of publications can be viewed via Orcid.org

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