Three dermatology appointments cancelled after urgent GP referral

[NetZeroZealot]

I saw the GP in March about an inflamed patch of skin on my face which hadn't gone away after 3 months. I was referred to the dermatology clinic at the local hospital on the 2-week cancer pathway, but since then I have had 3 appointments cancelled.

The first appointment was cancelled by phone the day before.

Appointments 2 and 3 I was only notified of the cancellation when I checked with the receptionist after sitting in the hospital waiting room for half an hour.

Appointment 3 was today. It's a 45 minute drive to my local hospital and both times I've had to take time off work. I'm also, understandably, quite worried.

I stupidly cancelled my health insurance 2 months ago as I'm planning to retire soon, it was costing a lot and never paid out for the things I wanted.

I'm at my wits' end. I'll be complaining to PALs. Anyone got any advice for me? Or can say anything to make me feel better?

Not Manchester area is it? I’m under dermatology here and it’s been a mess for a while

You shouldn't have to but I'd book a private appointment at this point

Definitely get in touch with PALS urgently. Not just to complain but to get a definite appointment. I'd also let your GP know that's happened despite them putting you on the 2-week pathway. So sorry for you. This must be causing you great anxiety.

Contact PALs. I was referred on a two week pathway for suspected BCC. Got the appointment to have it photographed really quickly. Received the report to say it’s suspected BCC and I needed an urgent referral, to then be told it was a 13 month wait! I emailed PALS and they tried to fob me off. I refused to back down and they put me in touch with dermatology. I then got an appointment within two weeks. I opted to have it removed and a biopsy. Got the appointment in two weeks (it’s tomorrow). If you push, they do seem to listen.

I’m still waiting 11 weeks after initial consultation where the dermatologist confirmed BCC. Was told I would get an appointment for removal in 4-6 weeks….

That’s awful. Horrible to turn up for an appointment that doesn’t happen. That is really not fair.

I recently had a basal cell carcinoma confirmed but an infiltrative subtype. This was after a two week pathway referral. It was changing rapidly yet I was told my urgent referral for removal would be two years! I ended up having it removed privately (thanks to my lovely dad) and it had already caused some damage.
Waiting times are horrendous.

I’d chase them up. I was offered the option to “keep an eye on it” or have it removed. I opted for removal. There’s no way I was letting them discharge me and then wait years to be seen again. I was told 2-6 weeks for removal. I was surprised to get the appointment so quickly. It’s at a local clinic, whereas the consultation was at a hospital.