"Care at Crosshouse dermatology"

I was diagnosed with alopecia in 2016. My last appointment was at the end of 2023 with Dr Honan and I want to highlight the excellent care I received. Dr Honan was compassionate, proactive and collaborative, excellent demonstration of patient centred care and realistic medicine. During scalp examination she was respectful and thorough and provided excellent explanations that made me feel part of the process. She was open to discussing my own research into the condition and possible treatment options and had the humility to advise that she would seek guidance from a doctor who specialises in the condition I have. For the first time, I came away from a dermatology appointment feeling heard, empowered and that I had been treated with compassion and codeveloped a proactive plan. 

Prior to the appointment with Doctor Honan, I had several appointments at Crosshouse hospital dermatology. Unfortunately, I have cried after most appointments, not because of my diagnosis, I've had a while to process this, but because of the the way that I have been treated by dermatology consultants (the nurses have been excellent). I had a skin biopsy in which my hair was cut, granted a small section, but cut none the less without telling me this was going to happen. To someone with alopecia this feels violating. I have been treated with disinterest, patronised and previously offered no proactive plan. I had to strongly advocate for myself and gained referral for a second opinion which was incredibly beneficial, and the treatment advocated made a significant improvement to my condition. However, what about people who find it hard to advocate for themselves? I wonder what they do? Alopecia effects every area of life, it's a long term, life limiting condition, until alopecia (and other conditions) are seen through this lense, care will not meet the needs of this patient population, who are likely to then need ongoing support in other ways to cope with the impact of their condition and further cost to the NHS.

I feel that training is required for dermatology doctors regarding how to approach and handle sensitive issues and clinical examination. 

Sharing with others how Doctor Honan's practice would improve practice of all significantly.