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Waiting to see a dermatologist

Posted By RS24

"Waiting to see a dermatologist"

About: Crosshouse Hospital / Dermatology

(as the patient),

Probably in the middle of November time I noticed a small black mark on my leg and it was growing quite quick so decided to go to my local practice to see a nurse.

The appointment I got was early December where the nurse wasn’t too sure what it was but said it may be a blood blister and if it was still there in the new year to go back. It had fallen off about 2 weeks ago and the skin where it was was light red but the black spot has now came back and is much bigger which concerned me so I had an appointment with my doctor yesterday who has sent an urgent referral to get an appointment with a dermatologist to do a biopsy and test it but said the letter for the appointment won’t be with me until the next 2-3 weeks.

I am extremely worried with how quickly it is growing and would rather it be seen sooner rather than later.

Does anyone know or can give any advice on how I could do so? Would a&e be an option? I wouldn’t mind waiting for hours as long as it was seen to and removed and tested. My mind has been doing overtime and it’s impossible to put it to the back of my mind and it has grown substantially.

Thanks

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Responses

Response from NHS Ayrshire and Arran 4 years ago
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

Submitted on 20/01/2020 at 11:52
Published on Care Opinion at 11:52

Dear RS24

I understand you are keen to be seen and you have done the right thing by seeking advice from your Practice Nurse and GP to get referred to the specialists. You need to be seen by the Dermatology team and unfortunately the Accident and Emergency department is not best placed to help you on this occassion. Please can you contact me on 01563 827923 to check we have your correct details including a mobile telephone number and it maybe that if there is any cancellations we can contact you at short notice to offer you the appointment as we try to ensure every clinic appointment is utilised.

I know it is very difficult for you not to worry but if you contact me at least I can confirm we have received your referral and should a cancellation become available offer this to you.

Kind regards

Sandra Hanlon

Senior Charge Nurse

Dermatology

University Hospital Crosshouse and Ayr

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Update posted by RS24 (the patient)

Hi Sandra, thanks for the reply. I called the dermatologist department this morning who advised they haven’t even seen a referral for me and this was last Wednesday an urgent referral was supposed to be made. I called my doctors practice to query and it’s just been sitting since Wednesday but will be sent today as an urgent referral which has made me more worried as I thought that was one week down in the waiting time. This has done nothing to calm my nerves and made me more anxious as the lesion is continuing to grow. I suppose I’ll just have to wait but not sure why the referral wasn’t sent on Wednesday when I was told it would be.

Response from Sandra Hanlon, Ward 2E- Dermatology and Dermtology OP, Crosshouse Hospital, NHS Ayrshire and Arran 4 years ago
Sandra Hanlon
Ward 2E- Dermatology and Dermtology OP, Crosshouse Hospital,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

Submitted on 21/01/2020 at 16:52
Published on Care Opinion at 16:52

Hi RS24

I am sorry there has been a delay with your referral but at least this has been highlighted and you have been able to chase this up. Once the referral has been received it will be vetted by the Dermatology Consultant and you will receive your appointment, hopefully it won't be too long before you are seen. I understand you are worried but please be reassured that we are working hard to ensure patients are seen timeously at clinics.

Best wishes

Sandra

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