Suspension of community dermatology locally commissioned services in East Sussex
NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board has temporarily suspended community dermatology services in East Sussex.
These are services provided by some GP practices in East Sussex in a Locally Commissioned Service (LCS) that was originally set up in 2011.
In 2024 concerns were raised to NHS Sussex around activity within the LCS, related to the excision of lesions which should not be carried out as part of the LCS.
As a result, the ICB commissioned an independent body to carry out a review to identify if any harm has arisen from treatment provided.
This work highlighted potential harm alongside several areas of wider concern, around accreditation, clinical governance such as MDT working and appraisal processes.
As a result, we have taken the decision to temporarily suspend the delivery of community dermatology services delivered by general practices until further notice.
Our priority has been to focus on patient safety the safe delivery of dermatology services and to preserve continuity of care to those already receiving treatment.
Key information for patients - appointments, referrals and medicines
All patients of GP practice-based Dermatology services in East Sussex are being referred to the Sussex Community Dermatology Service (SCDS) which is an NHS service already providing specialist dermatology care in East Sussex.
Affected patients do not have to do anything and arrangements have been made for the appropriate clinical information to be shared to support safe ongoing care and minimise disruption.
Any new patients will be advised by their GP practice of where the available NHS services are and will be referred.
A very small number of patients who have been previously treated for dermatological issues by practices and may have been subject to harm will be contacted directly to outline what the next steps are.
In order to minimise impact to waiting times for appointments NHS Surrey and Sussex has commissioned additional capacity from SCDS and additional services are being set up in community settings in East Sussex.
Services have already commenced for urgent patients requiring immediate treatment, with people in higher risk groups being prioritised. Clinical prioritisation processes ensure that patients requiring urgent assessment, as well as those already on active treatment pathways, are reviewed within clinically appropriate timeframes.
Any dermatology patients who are coming to the end of their medications or are due for medication reviews can contact their dermatology GP for a repeat prescription. This is the same GP who prescribed their dermatology medication initially.
If patients have queries about their referral to Sussex Community Dermatology Service, please contact: patient.dermatology@nhs.net
Next steps
The safety of patients remains our top priority. We are reviewing the recommendations made by the independent report and how best they can be implemented. Once we are assured that the practice delivered dermatology services can be delivered within the local and national guidelines, will work to resume services.
Patient FAQs
1. I was referred to the Community Dermatology LCS, what is happening with my referral?
Patients will be contacted by Sussex Community Dermatology Service (SCDS) with details about their appointment and ongoing treatments.
2. 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 be assured:
- 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 patient.dermatology@nhs.net.
3. What if my referral is urgent?
All urgent and 2 week-wait referrals are being prioritised. People in higher risk groups will be identified and prioritised appropriately within the receiving services.
4. 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 will refer you to any of the other dermatology services that are available. If they are concerned about a skin lesion being cancer, they will follow the cancer pathway referrals in line with national guidance.
5. Prescriptions and medications
We have adapted the suspension to support patients who need their medications to be issued, so any dermatology patients who are coming to the end of their medications or are due for medication reviews can contact their current dermatology GP for a repeat prescription. This is the same GP who prescribed your dermatology medication initially.
If your condition has worsened or you are close to running out of medication, it is important that this is highlighted so the urgency can be clinically assessed and escalated if required.
6. 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.