Dermatology service update: 19 March

In view of the current concerns around Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK, we are trying to minimise clinic attendance in order to reduce the risk of spread of coronavirus and to keep you safe. This is of particular importance for patients who are taking medicines that affect the immune system such as immunosuppressants and biologics.

Our goal is to conduct as many appointments as possible by telephone whilst still seeing patients who are unwell for dermatology reasons face to face in clinic.

Virtual Clinic appointments: Current procedure but is subject to change
We strongly advise you NOT to come to clinic in person if you are a follow up patient.
Instead, one of our clinical team will call your contact number as close to the designated appointment time as possible. We can then discuss your symptoms, make any changes to medication and write a letter to your GP who can issue a prescription if required. If you need a new prescription for a medication that we prescribe, we will issue you with a prescription.

Following the phone consultation if our clinical team feel that you do need a face to face consultation you will be offered an emergency clinic appointment.

Blood tests
If you are due a blood test, we will discuss whether you should come to the hospital phlebotomy department or go to your GP. The phlebotomy department is based in the Picton Suite, 1st Floor, yellow corridor and you can take a ticket as usual. Please note that you do not require labels if we have requested the tests. When you attend for your blood test you will provide your name, date of birth and hospital number. The blood test department will then process your blood sample as usual.

Contact details
If you have changed your telephone number recently, we would be grateful if you could contact central appointments on 0208 510 5544 to update your medical records so we are able to contact you.

Medication
Many patients are understandably concerned about whether they should continue immune supressing medication. Please see the attached information sheet and update. Please also check up to date information on the NHS website and updated guidance by the British Association of Dermatologists.

Dermatology patients at the Homerton

Information for dermatology patients on immunosuppressant medication

COVID and immunosuppressant advice

Immunosuppressant medication includes: steroids, immune modulators like azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, ciclosporin, methotrexate, apremilast, fumeric acid esthers or biologic therapies like dupixent, humira, hyrimoz, enbrel, remicade, cimzia, stelara, tremfya, cosentyx, skyrizi and kyntheum

Dermatology

Dermatology is the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. The service offers a range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for general dermatological problems, together with access to more specialist and urgent services.

Locations
Services Homerton St. Leonard's John Scott Well
Street
Sir Ludwig Guttmann
General dermatology Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Acne Yes Yes (except Roaccutane Prescribing) Yes Yes (except Roaccutane Prescribing)  No
Lumps and bumps and biopsies Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Urgent two-week suspected cancer referral Yes No No No No
Specialist nurse input (adult and paediatric) in MDT chronic disease management, including nurse-led clinics in eczema, psoriasis, acne and habit reversal   Yes No No No No
Multi-disciplinary complex leg ulcers Yes No No No No
Phototherapy Yes No No No No
Paediatric general dermatology Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Surgical treatment of melanoma and non-melanoma Yes No No No No
Skin camouflage Yes No No No No
  • GP led community clinic: John Scott Health Centre and Well Street Surgery
  • Consultant led community clinic: John Scott and St Leonard's (only new patients currently being seen)

Making an appointment
You should, in the first instance, make an appointment with your GP. Appointments and referrals can be made by you or your GP via The Electronic Referral Service (e-RS). Treatment may be started by your GP, which needs to be used carefully as instructed. Some treatment may take several weeks to make a difference.
If the problem is not resolved despite using treatment as directed, return to your GP who will decide whether referral is then necessary.

Patient Information leaflets

For advice on referrals please contact
Homerton site

Dermatology medical secretaries
tel: 020 8510 7690 or 020 8510 7388

John Scott Health Centre
Wendi Newson
tel: 020 7683 4726
email: huh-tr.dermatology@nhs.net