• Specialist in: lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, and connective tissue diseases including Sjogren's syndrome
• Best for patients with: joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, suspected autoimmune disease, inflammatory arthritis, widespread pain or fatigue, or bone-density concerns
• Tests and treatments offered: ultrasound-guided joint injections, zoledronate infusion for osteoporosis, comprehensive diagnostic workup for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
• Available at: Rheumatology at Welbeck, 1 Welbeck Street, Marylebone, London, W1G 0AR
• Also: Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist at St Mary's Hospital since 2003, Cambridge medical graduate with over 25 years' experience, published researcher in lupus and fatigue; accepted by BUPA, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, and other major insurers
Dr Colin Tench is a Consultant Rheumatologist at Welbeck. He has over 25 years of experience in treating a wide variety of joint and muscle problems with specialist interests in Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, gout and osteoporosis.
He has held previous roles at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust as the Royal College of Physicians Tutor and Programme Director for Foundation Training. He also lectures frequently on pioneering research in treatments for connective tissue diseases and other rheumatic diseases.
Dr Colin Tench (MB BChir, MA, MD, FRCP) was awarded his Medical Degree from Cambridge University and completed his training in Rheumatology at University College London Hospitals and the Hammersmith Hospital.
During his 3-year research MD, Dr Tench was awarded St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Clinical Research Fellowship and was appointed as a Junior Clinical Fellow for the Arthritis Research Campaign. His research focused on the effects of aerobic exercise on fatigue and sleep quality in patients in Lupus and he published a number of papers in high impact peer reviewed journals.
In 2003, Dr Tench was appointed as an honorary Consultant Rheumatologist at St Mary’s Hospital in London, where he still works today. He has an extensive general rheumatology practice with expertise in treating a wide variety of rheumatic diseases. He has a specialist interest in lupus and other connective tissue diseases and is referred patients from all over the world with complex multi system disease.
Alongside his clinical work, Dr Tench has taken an active role in the training and education of junior doctors and has held positions as the Royal College of Physicians Tutor and Programme Director for Foundation Training.
"Welbeck provides an opportunity to deliver a first-class rheumatology service with quick and easy access to MRI and ultrasound imaging and excellent links to experts in orthopaedics and other specialities." - Dr Colin Tench
Tench CM, Clunie G, Peacock A, Dacre JD. An insight into Rheumatology Resources available on the World Wide Web. British Journal of Rheumatology 1998; 37: 1233-1235
CM.Tench & DA. Isenberg. The variation in anti-ENA characteristics between different ethnic populations with SLE over a 10 year period. Lupus 2000; 9: 374-376
CM.Tench, I. McCurdie, PD. White, DP. D’Cruz. The prevalence and associations of fatigue in SLE. Rheumatology 2000;39(11):1249-1254
CM.Tench, DJ. Bentley, VE. Vleck, I. McCurdie, PD. White, DP. D’Cruz. Aerobic fitness, fatigue and physical disability in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J. Rheumatology 2002;29: 474-81
Karim MY. Miranda LC. Tench CM. Gordon PA. D’Cruz DP. Khamashta MA. Hughes GR. Presentation and prognosis of the shrinking lung syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus. Seminars in Arthritis & Rheumatism. 31(5):289-98, 2002 Apr.
CM. Tench, I. McCurdie, J. McCarthy, PD. White, DP. D’Cruz. A randomised controlled trial of aerobic exercise on fatigue in SLE. Rheumatology 2003 42: 1050-1054
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Yes, but only for certain services. Some consultations, assessments, and treatments can be booked directly, while others require a GP or specialist referral. Please check the relevant service page for guidance, and contact the centre if you’re unsure.
We aim to offer appointments as quickly as possible, and many services have same-day or next-day availability. Waiting times vary depending on the appointment type, specialty, and consultant availability, but our team will always offer the earliest suitable appointment.
Yes. You can arrange an appointment for a family member, or someone you care for, just let us know when you get in touch. We’ll need their details and consent to complete the booking, unless you're their legal guardian or have power of attorney.
Your first consultation includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors, followed by a thorough examination. It’s helpful if you can bring the results of any previous investigations with you, as well as a list of your current medications. Come with a comfortably full bladder so you can provide a urine sample if requested.
Dr Tench has a particular research and clinical interest in lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus), having published extensively on the condition in peer-reviewed journals. Diagnosis involves a combination of blood tests for specific autoantibodies, clinical examination, and assessment of symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, and organ involvement. He develops individualised treatment plans that may include immunosuppressive therapies, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring to prevent flares and protect long-term organ function.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by wear and tear on joint cartilage, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation. Dr Tench treats both conditions and uses ultrasound-guided injections to deliver targeted relief for inflamed or painful joints. For rheumatoid arthritis, he also manages disease-modifying therapies to slow progression and preserve joint function.
Yes. Dr Tench has specialist expertise in gout, including recurrent or difficult-to-manage cases. He can carry out a thorough assessment of your uric acid levels, kidney function, and any contributing factors, then adjust or initiate urate-lowering therapy to reduce flare frequency. He also treats acute flares with targeted approaches including ultrasound-guided joint injections for rapid relief.
Widespread pain and fatigue can result from fibromyalgia, connective tissue diseases such as lupus or Sjogren's syndrome, or inflammatory arthritis. Dr Tench has published research specifically on fatigue in autoimmune disease and is experienced at distinguishing between these overlapping conditions. A thorough clinical assessment and targeted blood tests can help establish an accurate diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.
Zoledronate is a once-yearly intravenous bisphosphonate infusion used to strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis. Dr Tench offers this treatment at Welbeck and can assess whether it’s appropriate for you based on DEXA bone density scan results, fracture history, and overall health. The infusion typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes, and most patients find it a convenient alternative to daily or weekly oral osteoporosis medications.
