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"Poor service"

About: Peterborough City Hospital

Waited 14 weeks for an urgent referral to Dermatology. I had been suffering with a severe itchy rash on 90% of my body for the last 8 months. Several medications provided by my GP did not have any positive impact. Urgent referral was made by my GP to Dermatology. Due to the long wait for appointment by this time my mental health had been affected. I appreciated longer wait times due to Coronavirus pandemic. I found the dermatologist to be unsympathetic and appeared uncaring. She also came across as being frustrated at my questions and concerns. 90% of my skin was extremely inflamed and I had been suffering for a long time therefore I was anxious, upset and struggling to cope with my mental health because of my symptoms. I was looking forward to being examined thoroughly by a specialist and to be given a treatment plan. I was asked to sit on a seat and the dermatologist asked about my symptoms. She asked me where on my body the rash was and I explained most of my body was affected and in fact the worst area was my torso. I removed a small part of my cardigan to reveal the top part of my shoulder. The dermatologist could see a small area of inflamed skin. I asked if I should remove my clothing so she could see my whole body and how badly inflamed my skin was and her response was that I did not need to remove any clothing nor even remove my cardigan. I was extremely upset by this and tried to show my legs by lifting my trouser leg slightly, again she appeared barely interested and glanced slightly before looking away. From this poor examination she advised I had eczema. I had many months to research my symptoms before this appointment and I strongly believe I have mycosis fungoides. I mentioned this at the appointment and it was quickly dismissed. How can she dismiss this without examining my skin? She cannot make a diagnosis of eczema without looking at me surely? I explained that my GP who specialises in skin had told me that it wasnt eczema and again this was dismissed. I insisted on a punch biopsy and she agreed very reluctantly to this. However I was told it would take months, possibly in excess of 4 months before I would get an appointment for this. I was advised to use the cream my GP had previously supplied and I would get an appointment through the post to see her again in around 4 months! I left her office and sobbed in my car feeling totally let down and in despair. I had waited months for the referral and I left feeling the appointment had been a waste of time as I was not receiving any treatment or care. I have no idea when or even if I will receive my next appointment and if indeed i have mycosis fungoides (how was this ruled out with no examination?) Delaying treatment can have a massive impact for which I will be holding the hospital responsible.

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Responses

Response from Bernadette Jacques, Head of Complaints and Clinical Risk, North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust 3 years ago
Bernadette Jacques
Head of Complaints and Clinical Risk,
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 27/10/2020 at 10:44
Published on Care Opinion at 10:44


I am so sorry to read about your experience and would urge you, if you have not done so already, to raise your concerns with our Patient Advice and Liaison Service on (01733) 673405 as we would be keen to learn from your experience. 01480 428964.

Kind regards

Bernadette Jacques

Head of Complaints and Clinical Risk

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