You may be aware that some dermatology services by GP practices in East Sussex have been temporarily suspended.
All patients who were initially referred to the Community Dermatology LCS will now be referred by those teams, into an alternative NHS dermatology pathway. This will be provided by the Sussex Community Dermatology Service (SCDS), which is an NHS service providing specialist dermatology care already across Sussex. Affected patients do not have to do anything and arrangements will be made for the appropriate clinical information to be shared to support safe ongoing care.
If you are waiting for a referral to community dermatology services, you will be contacted with a new appointment from an alternative service that is local to you.
We would like to reassure you that work has been ongoing to identify those people in higher risk groups so they can be prioritised appropriately within the receiving services.
If you need specialist care for a dermatology issue, you may be referred to an alternative service that is local to you.
FAQs – Appointments, waiting times and next steps
- I was referred to the Community Dermatology LCS, what is happening with my referral?
All patients who were initially referred to the Community Dermatology LCS will now be referred by current providers into an alternative NHS dermatology pathway. This is being provided by the Sussex Community Dermatology Service (SCDS) which is an NHS service providing specialist dermatology care across Sussex.Affected patients do not have to do anything and arrangements will be made for the appropriate clinical information to be shared to support safe ongoing care.
- When will I get a new appointment?
We understand the frustration and anxiety caused by cancelled appointments and uncertainty about waiting times. Unfortunately, precise appointment dates cannot always be given immediately following the transfer of referrals, as they must first be reviewed and clinically triaged by the receiving dermatology service.If you are a current patient, Sussex Community Dermatology Service will be in touch with you shortly, however, please do remember:
- Your referral remains active
- Your original clinical information has been passed on
- Urgent and cancer related concerns continue to be prioritised in line with national guidance
If you have any concerns around your forthcoming appointment, please contact Sussex Community Dermatology Service on [email protected] or call 01903 703270 available 9.00-11.00am and 3.00-5.00pm
- What if my referral is urgent?
Work is ongoing to identify people in higher risk groups so they can be prioritised appropriately within the receiving services.
- What if I have a new dermatology (skin) concern which needs to be reviewed by a specialist?
You can see your GP in the usual way and if they recommend seeing a specialist, they can refer you to any of the other dermatology services. If they are concerned about the lesion being cancer, they will follow the cancer pathway referrals in line with national guidance.
- Will I have to travel further to see a specialist for my skin appointments?
We are very aware that community-based dermatology services provided care closer to home for many people and reduced the need to attend hospital sites. Concerns about travel, mobility, disability, caring responsibilities, and the impact on vulnerable patients are being considered as part of ongoing work to review future service arrangements as we recognise how important they are however, patient safety must remain our priority.
If you wish to complain about the suspension of this service please contact:
NHS Surrey and Sussex complaints team
Telephone 0300 140 9854 or email [email protected]