"Allergic Reaction"

It is very difficult to get a dermatology appointment even if the GP have asked them to see you urgently. Dermatology says that malignancies are the only cases treated as urgent cases which I don't dispute but there are skin conditions which are insufferable as in my case which results in absences from work which has repercussion on an already stretched service where I work.

I have 2 issues. The first where the patient is at the GP where the GP struggles to find the correct treatment for you. GPs have said to me that they don't know how to treat my condition of your's, and that they have pounded on dermatology's door many many times before receiving a hasty e-mail  some 10 days later. In the meantime I am at the GP too many times in desperation wasting resources.

I know for a fact that very many precious dermatology appointments go wasted from last minute cancellations and non attendances. This was confirmed by the booking office and dermatology secretaries. 

I am sure some of these wasted appointments could be utilised rather than saying that there is no resource available to do this. I used to work 100metres from the old dermatology department, I for one could have filled that appointment. Notes would have not been necessary as the important information would be on sci store.This is one of the ways the NHS could be saving money.

My second issue is when I see the Dermatologist, they quite openly says that GPs don't always know how to treat these complex conditions which is why I need to see a Dermatologist. I couldn't agree more. But how do I do that? My next appointment is in 6 months. 

I saw the Dermatologist 2 weeks ago and was extremely satisfied with the consultation apart from one small administrative issue which prolonged my discomfort. But now there seems to be complications and the initial improvement has gone backwards. The GP is treating me for a viral infection but I am not improving.

I am told that there is a system in place now where GPs  can ask the dermatologists for advice on a particular treatment for their patient. Given that skin problems need to be diagnosed visually I am not sure how this will work for me.

So how do I feel? Very frustrated , very itchy and sore. Feeling unhappy as I look quite unsightly, my left eye is now swelling up. There are no free GP appointments for the next 3 days. I probably am not fit enough for work for the rest of the week.