Specialist Referral?

[sgx.saint]

Hey All.

This is my first post here so please be extra gentle

I lurk here all the time as I am a regular on the Money Saving Expert forums and I often use the template letters available here.

I do have a question though that I think you good folks can help me with.

I suffer from bad eczema and I have been seeing a Dermatologist at my local hospital on and off now for about 9 months.

My last review appointment was a bit of a disappointment. I am using an experimental cream to cuurrently treat my condition which in america has been reported as a potential cancer risk. It is not recommended to be used long term and I am currently having to use it long term in order to control my condition.

Now my Dermatologist has advised me that I should stick with this cream and is unwilling to try and other treatments and has referred me back to my GP.

My questions is can I get a referral to a specialist at another hospital etc?

How would I go about this?

I appreciate any help.

[LinniLoo2006]

Hi SGX.Saint

You are welcome (and fully entitled) to seek a second opinion if you are not satisfised with your treatment, and as your dermatologist has referred you back to your GP, just go and see you GP, explain your predicament and ask to be referred for a second opinion to another hospital. You won't get blacklisted or anything! Your GP should be fine with this, the NHS is now all about patient choice - they'll be luring us in with free sweets soon - patients = money.

Let me know if you have any problems and good luck!

[sgx.saint]

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it.

I have just changed GP's anyway so I will see how I get on with my new one. If I get no where, I will ask to be referred to another hospital.