Suspension of community dermatology locally commissioned services in East Sussex
Following an independent report by the British Association of Dermatology concerning potential harm to patients under the care of dermatology services based in some general practices in East Sussex, NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board has taken the decision to suspend the delivery of community dermatology services in general practice settings until further notice.
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.
Patients who were due to receive dermatology care provided by the community dermatology locally commissioned service (LCS) providers in East Sussex will be referred to alternative providers and informed accordingly.
It is important to note that all other services provided by general practices in East Sussex will continue as normal, and we have no concerns about the care provided more widely.
Other specialist dermatology services such as those based in hospitals are unaffected and will continue as normal.
LCSs are health services provided by GP practices in addition to their usual GP service.
They are set up according to the needs of the local community and commissioned by Integrated Care Boards.
Information for patients - 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 patient.dermatology@nhs.net. - 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. - Prescriptions and medications
We understand that where medications have been prescribed it is important for these to continue. If you have prescriptions that need to be reviewed, 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 reassessed and escalated if required. Please contact the Sussex Community Dermatology Service on 01903 703270 or email patient.dermatology@nhs.net
We have also asked current community providers to ensure sufficient medication is available to cover the referral period.
- 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.
For further enquiries, existing patients can