"Ongoing treatment"

Having lived with a chronic health condition and a compromised immune system, I developed a skin condition which resulted in a referral to Dermatology. 

I was finally diagnosed with Pityrosporum Folliculitis and prescribed a course of immediate treatments and an ongoing regime for flare ups. The Dermatology letter stated should I have any future reocurrances or new symptoms I should contact the department secretary for a new clinic appointment. 

The condition - same symptoms in same areas -  has reoccurred and the old treatment doesn't appear to be helping. I contacted Dermatology only to be told I can't be seen unless I go back to the GP for a new referral. This is time consuming (GPs not doing face-to-face) and basically a pointless process when Dermatology have already seen me previously for the same condition.

With patient frameworks like this in operation, is it any wonder the NHS service is failing itself and patients. 

Let's hope every specialist department doesn't decide to throw patients with chronic conditions back to GP referrals every 12 months!

In my experience, this framework process really isn't fit for purpose.