"Poor signposting to Community Treatment and Care (CTAC) Services"

I recently had a minor dermatological procedure that required stitches. The patient information provided at the clinic informed me to make a nurse appointment at my GP practice for suture removal in 7 days. This was arranged and I attended my nurse appointment at the end of October.

The practice nurse informed me that she hadn't removed sutures for a long time as this is now the NHS board's responsibility under the GP /CTAC contract. Apparently  I have should have phoned CTAC for an appointment. I know that in some practices, CTAC services are embedded in the practice but apparently this is not the case in Edinburgh. My stitches were removed. Before leaving the practice I noticed that there was an A4 notice about CTAC and added the phone number to my mobile but you have to be in waiting area to see this. The CTAC contact number is on the practice website but you need to know to that's the service you require to look for it.

I don't know which south Edinburgh CTAC centre is classed as in my 'community'. I can walk to my GP practice in 10 minutes. Any of the CTAC centres I am aware of would require at least 1 bus to get there and a considerable increase in time invested to attend. On the NHS Lothian website there is no reference to CTAC services. I understand these are provided by the Health and Social Care Partnerships but some signposting would be useful.

I have the NHS Scotland Right Care Right Place leaflet on my fridge. I understand that there is a difference between national and local policy but a similar CTAC leaflet would be useful.

None of this feels person-centred. Patients should not have to make two phone calls to get the information they require, or be made to feel that they are in the wrong. 

I feel that NHS Lothian should ensure the following:

1. That all relevant patient information leaflets are updated with CTAC contacts both for local HSCPs and for boards for which it provides services. (The dermatology patient information I received is not due to be reviewed until Aug 2028.)

2. That communication around CTAC services is improved, in line with the communications relating to vaccines.