An update on Community Dermatology Locally Commissioned Services in East Sussex
The Community Dermatology LCS was temporarily suspended in April 2026 following an independent review undertaken by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD). The review was commissioned after concerns were raised about activity taking place within dermatology services provided by some GP practices in East Sussex, that was outside of national guidelines. Alongside wider concerns relating to governance, the review also looked at accreditation and clinical oversight within the service. Following multidisciplinary clinical review, the ICB took the decision to temporarily suspend the Community Dermatology LCS, while further assurance work was undertaken to prioritise patient safety and remove the risk of further harm being caused.
Throughout this period, patient safety and continuity of care have remained our highest priorities. To minimise disruption for patients, additional capacity was established through the Sussex Community Dermatology Service (SCDS), an NHS specialist dermatology service already operating across Sussex. All patients who were under the care of Community Dermatology LCS providers in East Sussex have now been transferred into SCDS to ensure ongoing access to treatment and follow-up care.
During this process, we are aware that some patients experienced a delay to their care and we are very sorry to those patients who were affected. We have worked with our partners to ensure the cases with the highest clinical need were prioritised. We also worked with the LCS provider practices to support them to continue to offer medication prescriptions to allow continuity of care to our patients. We are confident that all outstanding patients have now been transferred to SCDS and all patients have been contacted regarding their referral.
Next steps
Patients within scope of the Patient Safety Investigation are being informed and supported regarding their individual outcomes, and the findings of the final report will be shared as soon as this process is completed.
We are reviewing the expected findings and recommendations of the independent report and considering our next steps to implement the recommendations within the review. A comprehensive quality assurance framework has now been developed to support the potential reinstatement of the Locally Commissioned Service, where practices wish to resume.
The quality assurance framework provides a structured process through which individual practices can demonstrate that the necessary clinical governance, competency, supervision, audit, appraisal and patient safety arrangements are in place before any decision is made regarding continuation of services. Practices wishing to resume delivery of the LCS are currently working through this process. Any future reinstatement will only occur where the ICB, supported by BAD, is satisfied that all required standards have been met and sufficient assurance has been provided that services can be delivered safely and in line with national guidance.
Alongside this, Sussex Community Dermatology Service (SCDS) will continue to provide care for patients, thereby strengthening access to high-quality dermatology services across the region.
We recognise the impact that the suspension has had on patients and services, and we remain committed to ensuring safe, high-quality care is delivered to the local community.
We will continue to provide updates as this work progresses.
Further information for patients:
I was referred to the Community Dermatology LCS. What is happening with my referral?
Patients are being contacted by Sussex Community Dermatology Service (SCDS) with details about their appointment and ongoing treatments.
If you have not yet heard anything and are awaiting a referral, please contact 01903 703270or patient.dermatology@nhs.net.
When will I get a new appointment?
We understand the frustration and anxiety caused by cancelled appointments and uncertainty about waiting times.
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 and patients with the highest clinical need are prioritised.
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 about your forthcoming appointment, please contact Sussex Community Dermatology Service on patient.dermatology@nhs.net.
What if my referral is urgent?
All urgent referrals or transfers are being prioritised. People in higher risk groups will be identified and prioritised appropriately.
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 for any new skin concerns. If your GP recommends seeing a specialist, they will refer you to specialist 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.
Prescriptions and medications
Following the suspension of the LCS Dermatology service, all patients were transferred to the Sussex Community Dermatology Service (SCDS), where referrals have been clinically triaged. If you require further medication, please contact SCDS directly.
For the first two months after the suspension, arrangements were put in place to support patients who were nearing the end of their medication supply or were due a medication review. During this period, patients could contact the dermatology GP who originally prescribed their treatment to request a repeat prescription.
If your condition has worsened, you are running low on medication, or you have any concerns about your treatment, please make this clear when contacting SCDS. This will enable the clinical team to assess the urgency of your situation and escalate your care if necessary.
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.