Dermatology Advice and Guidance

The Barts Health dermatology service at the Royal London has opened up Advice and Guidance with a photo to GP practices in Tower Hamlets. Practices in Tower Hamlets are incentivised to use this pathway via the NIS. Advice and Guidance (A&G) is a function in ERS which enables GP’s to contact consultants for advice.

Who to refer

Inclusions:
Patients aged 16 and over
Inflammatory skin disease (acne, eczema, psoriasis) unresponsive to GP treatment
Premalignant skin lesions such as solar keratosis or Bowen’s disease
Low risk BCCs on trunks and limbs in line with NICE guidance
Diagnosis, investigation and management of other chronic rashes in adults
Diagnosis, investigation and management of mild-moderate dermatoses and skin lesions
Conditions of hair, scalp, and nails

Exclusions:
Patients who are under 16 years of age
Any lesions where there is any suspicion of skin cancer
Lesions suspicious of melanoma
Lesions suspicious of Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Suspicious skin lesions falling under the 2WW pathway
Dermatological emergencies e.g. Exfoliative Dermatitis or blistering skin disorders
Patients already under the ongoing care of a secondary care dermatologist e.g.
taking immunosuppressive drugs
A suspicious change in a mole or melanocytic lesion
Lesions that are on parts of the body where it would be deemed inappropriate to take images (unless the patient provides consent).

Before referral

Referrals will not be accepted without a photo
Please review helpful guidelines as produced by Barts and TH Dermatology lead Shah Ali
Complete the referral form on RP Dermatology advice and guidance
Make referral vie ERS advice and guidance (under advice – routine – dermatology – not otherwise specified – general dermatology (RLH)
Attach photos and referral form to referral.
Encourage patients to take their own photos and send to practice website or e-consult

How to refer