Dermatology Service
We understand that skin problems can be a source of discomfort and distress. That’s why we’re committed to providing compassionate care to patients of all ages who have been referred to us by their GPs in the Wirral. We offer high-quality dermatology services to patients of all ages. You can trust us to provide you with the consultations, advice, and treatment you need to feel better. Our team of specialist GPs and nurses are always here to lend a listening ear and help you navigate your healthcare journey. So please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need our assistance. We’re here to support you.
Who will access my eligibility?
Your GP will assess your referral and determine if our service is appropriate for you. Once a referral has been made, we will carefully consider your symptoms to ensure that we can provide the best care available.
What happens after I am referred?
If your GP thinks you need to see a specialist consultant they will send a referral letter which will then be reviewed by our team. Once we receive your details, our team will contact you to offer you a convenient appointment. This will be followed by a letter to your home address confirming the date, time, and location of your appointment. We will also tell you any preparations that you need to make before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inclusion criteria?
The service is designed to see and treat the following conditions:
- Mild to Moderate skin rashes – Rash of unknown aetiology
- Discoid eczema, xerosis, generalised pruritus
- Seborrheic, Varicose, Atopic etc
- Mild/moderate acne not requiring Roaccutane
- Dermatitis
- Urticaria/angioedema
- Pruritus
- Tinea/fungal/recurrent bacterial infections
- Pityriasis Versicolor
- Plaque psoriasis confined to discrete areas
- Scalp Disorders
- Alopecia areata/androgenic alopecia
- Hirsuitism
- Benign skin lesions/suspected low grade BCC
- Skin lesions likely to be benign but of diagnostic uncertainty
- Actinic Keratosis
- Bowen’s Disease
- Epidermoid/Pilar (Sebacceous) Cysts
- Lipoma
- Dermatofibroma/Histiocytoma
- Keratin Horn
- Solar comedones/Giant comedones
What is the exclusion criteria?
- Suspected skin cancers which should be seen under the two week cancer target wait
- Patients requiring phototherapy e.g. PUVA/B
- Wounds/leg ulcers
- Contact allergy testing
- Laser service
- Dermatology emergencies
- Surgical procedures considered as plastic surgery
- Treatments not normally funded by the NHS
Are there any conditions appropriate for urgent referral?
Conditions appropriate for urgent referral will be directed straight through to secondary care. These conditions will include:
- any adult with an irritable rash covering at least. 90% of the body which is interfering with sleep and/or work.
- suspected immunological blistering diseases.
- any patient with atopic eczema who has been exposed to the herpes simplex virus and developed eczema herpeticum.
- Steven-Johnson syndrome.
- Scalded baby syndrome.
- Where there is a suspicion of a diagnosis of cancer, patients will be referred directly to secondary care under the 2 week cancer rule.
Each patient will be provided with a treatment and management plan, which will be forwarded to their GP within 24 hours as a summary report followed by a detailed clinical letter to enable ongoing holistic management of their own care. The GP will be advised of the plan in writing, along with the outcome of the patient’s episode of care. This will enable the GP to speedily resume managing the patient care in totality with an understanding of treatment and advice provided, and will support the development of an integrated service that will improve the patient’s overall experience of care.
Assess & Discharge to GP with Management Plan
Suitable patients will be provided with self help tools and information leaflets which will support them to manage their own condition. They will also be provided with contact details to enable them to contact the service if concerns arise.
What happens during my appointment?
Please go to our reception when you arrive and they will be able to direct you and help you with any information that you may need. You can take a seat in the waiting area until you are called for your appointment. You will be seen by the most appropriate clinician, such as a consultant or a GP specialist in dermatology/ENT. If the specialist needs to carry out tests then these may be carried out during your appointment and we will contact you with the results and arrange a follow-up appointment if required.
How long will the appointment take?
Each appointment is dependent on your needs so appointment times will vary. Most first appointments tend to take about 20 minutes and follow-up appointments around 10 minutes.
How soon will I be seen?
While we cannot provide an exact timeframe, on average, the waiting time for an assessment is four weeks.
How will I get feedback about my appointment?
Keeping you involved in your care is important to us. We’ll keep you updated on your progress either face-to-face or in writing. A full report will be sent to your GP once treatment is complete or before if it is felt necessary.
How will I get the results of any tests performed?
If we need to take tests, these may be carried out during your appointment. Some tests which require more time, such as biopsies or blood tests, and may require another appointment. Once the results of tests are received, we will contact you to arrange a follow-up appointment if required.
