My Dad (81 y/o) has previously had malignant skin lesion removed on his back. Recently he found a lesion on his leg and after contacting GP was referred to hospital. Having heard nothing past time advised he got in touch with the hospital to be told he had been given an appointment on April First (!) but as he didn't arrive he was referred back to his GP! He explained he had not received an appointment letter. Another appointment was arranged but that is not now until July! (Personally feel the GP’s incompetence lead to the error with the appointment but that’s another story! Suffice to say my Dad is in process of changing surgeries.)
My Dad is worrying himself silly as the lesion is changing/shape and colour and the appointment is so far away! Is there any chance I could contact the hospital Dermatology department in person and just ask someone to take a look at this evolving lesion, given that my Dad has already had a malignant lesion removed? If not at the hospital itself could I ask at an emergency/walk-in centre?
Appreciate any advice on this. Thank you!
Written by
ZippyAppletush
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It sounds as if the initial appt was made quite soon after the referral which would suggest that your Dad was given some clinical priority (urgency) by his GP and the dermatology dept.. The fact that the appt was made (for 1st April) suggests it was sent correctly by his GP but for some reason not received by your Dad. Sadly that happens too often in the NHS. Being lost in the post is one reason. If you or your Dad are worried I would suggest speaking with his GP surgery, explaining what happened and asking them if they can try and get his appt expedited with the dermatology dept. (which is almost certainly under lots of pressure). If he has already "fired" his GP you could try speaking with the dermatology dept. and explaining that it seems to be progressing and asking if they think he should be seen sooner that 1st July. An ED or walk-in-centre may not get him the expert opinion he is after and just confuse things.
Thank you so much for your reply, Hidden . For whatever the reason for the lost appointment I think it would be best at least to ask at the Dermatology department. He should be seen at new surgery early next week but if not then I will call into the hospital on his behalf on my travels next Wednesday. I will take a pic of his leg too! Every little helps! Fingers crossed an earlier appointment will be considered then!
My thoughts for the walk-in was just for another opinion but you are right that it likely would only confuse the issue. I’ll work with the GP/dermatology options first.
Lots of health issues in the family at present and if at least this one can be dealt with it will feel as though something has been achieved, even if it is only an appointment change. Little steps!
Hi Hidden , just thought you might like a quick update on my Dad as you were so helpful on my original query...having changed GP he got in to see a dermatologist yesterday - 28/05. He has a basal cell carcinoma (?) and is treating with a cream to ‘burn out’ the cancer. Looks horrendous on paper but hopefully will do the job. Fingers crossed! Thanks again!
Great. Thanks for the update. A basal cell carcinoma is a nuisance more than anything to worry too much about. They grow very slowly and almost never spread or cause serious problems. Hopefully the cream will sort it out but if not a small operation will fix the problem. The short delay in him being seen will have had no impact on the outcome.
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