Information for Patients

Getting Referred

If you wish to be referred to an ESS Community Dermatology Clinic, you need to visit your GP to obtain a referral.

We see patients with a range of conditions, including (but not limited to):

Eczema
Psoriasis
Acne
Basal cell carcinoma
Lichen planus
Urticaria
Rosacea
Vasculitis
Unknown skin rashes
Inflammatory skin disorders
Pigment disorders e.g., vitiligo
Choose and Book referrals

If your GP refers you via e-referrals, you may be able to book an appointment with your doctor at the time of the referral. Otherwise you will be given a booking reference number (called a UBRN) and a telephone number to ring to book an appointment.

What to Expect at Your Dermatology Appointment

Wherever possible, the ESS Admin Team will give you a courtesy reminder call before your appointment to confirm the details. Your first appointment will be a 15-20 minute appointment with a doctor specialising in dermatology (skin conditions). They will take your history, ask you questions about your condition, examine your skin, and discuss the probable diagnosis and a management plan with you.

If any further tests, procedures or other referrals are required, the doctor or administration staff will organise these. If you require a follow up appointment, the doctor will notify the administration team and you will receive your next appointment date prior to leaving the clinic. The doctor will also send a written summary of your consultation and treatment plan back to your GP within five working days.

Changing/Cancelling Appointments

If you need to change or cancel an appointment for any reason, please contact the Administration Team on 0208 430 8189 between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. There is a voicemail service if you are unable to get through, and we aim to respond to all messages within 24 working hours. Wherever possible, please allow at least 48 hours notice when cancelling or changing an appointment so your appointment can be given to another patient.

Repeat Prescriptions

If you are prescribed treatment at your Dermatology appointment and have run out, repeat prescriptions can be obtained through your GP. The doctor you saw will send a letter to your GP after your appointment which will detail your treatment plan, including the names and dosages of any medications you may be started on.

Chaperone Policy

ESS Primary Care Solutions is committed to providing a safe, comfortable environment where patients and staff can be confident that the best practice is being followed at all times and the safety of everyone is of paramount importance.
For most patients, respect, explanation, consent and privacy take precedence over the need for a chaperone. The presence of a third party does not negate the need for adequate explanation and courtesy and cannot provide full assurance that the procedure or examination is conducted appropriately.
All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure where they feel one is required.
Patients are advised to ask for a chaperone if required, at the time of booking an appointment, if possible, so that arrangements can be made and the appointment is not delayed in any way. The Healthcare Professional may also require a chaperone to be present for certain consultations.

A copy of our Chaperone Policy can be provided on request.

Confidentiality and Medical Records

ESS Primary Care Solutions complies with data protection and access to medical records legislation. Our administrative and reception staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as our medical staff.

For details as to how we use your data to manage your care in line with the GDPR and the Data Protection Act of 2018, please click here

Questions?

If you have any further questions about your appointment or treatment, you can contact the Administration Team on 0208 430 8189 between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Comments/Suggestions?

If you would like to comment on your experience within the Dermatology Clinic or have any suggestions on any aspect of the service, please contact the administration team via email - cs.services@nhs.net.