Extremely difficult to get a referral
Firstly , I am fully aware that the Covid situation has made situations difficult. I needed to be referred to a dermatologist last year and after seeing Dr Sharma I was referred to a Community Dermatologist Dr Ben McFadden in August.. I discovered only later That he is not a proper Consultant Dermatologist . He applied cryotherapy on the spot and I left . He did Not examine the spot at all. Within a month the lesion had returned and I asked for another appointment.. nothing was forthcoming.. and impossible to even speak to a Doctor ......in February this year I contacted a consultant Dermatologist online in desperation.Dr Anita Amin. After seeing pictures of the lesion she advised me on how to go about getting a fast track appointment at the Eastbourne Hospital . I emailed the surgery and eventually got an appointment and have just very recently seen a Consultant Dermatologist, had a biopsy and will be in the process of getting treatment for which I am extremely grateful! Why was I not sent directly to the Consultant Dermatologist and why did I have to try and organise my own referral ? Why did I have to wait so long?This is Really unsatisfactory. Why is it Impossible to even have a phone call with a doctor at the surgery...And yes ,I am very aware of Covid but it can’t always be used as an excuse for poor service.