What is the correct referral route for MSE Community Dermatology SPOA from 1 February 2026? All adult dermatology referrals must be submitted electronically via the eRS Single Point of Access (SPOA) – MSE Community Dermatology Single Point of Access – RAS (K4R3Z) Adult dermatology USC referrals sent directly to secondary care will no longer be accepted and following a period of transition routine referrals will also no longer be accepted. Where can I find the MSE Community Dermatology SPOA service on eRS? To refer to the MSE Community Dermatology SPOA service on eRS, please follow the steps below on eRS: select specialty as ‘Dermatology’ : Please select one of the following Clinic Types: Press Search for the MSE Community Dermatology Single Point of Access – RAS (K4R3Z) service to be listed. Are any new referral forms or templates required? A standard referral form will be used for primary care referrals which will include a minimum data set. All referrals should be sent electronically using the eRS. Will referrals sent to previous incumbent providers be automatically redirected? Yes, CHEC will work to ensure the safe and secure transfer of all referrals. Are referrals triaged, and if so, by whom and against what criteria? Yes. Routine referrals are triaged within 2 working days, and USC referrals within 1 working day, to determine the best clinical pathway (e.g., teledermatology or in-person), and to ensure patient are seen by the right service at the right time. All referrals are triaged by the CHEC dermatology clinical team. What happens if a referral is deemed inappropriate for community dermatology? Following clinical triage any referrals assessed as inappropriate for community dermatology, in line with the MSE Levels of Care (developed and agreed by clinicians across primary, community and secondary care), will be either returned back to the referring GP with advice and guidance, or referred onwards to the secondary care provider of choice for further assessment and treatment. What dermatology conditions are included within the CHEC community service? The MSE Community Dermatology Single Point of Access (SPOA) Service provides a single adult dermatology pathway for all conditions, including skin lesions, rashes, inflammatory conditions, and Urgent Suspected Cancer (USC). Clinical offer will remain in line with the MSE Levels of Care developed and agreed by clinicians across primary, community and secondary care. Which conditions are excluded and should continue to be referred directly to secondary care? Aged under 16 years Non-Dermatological conditions Cosmetic procedures listed in the ICB Service Restriction Policy including scar revision, tattoo removal, birthmark removal, turnable dye laser and excision of benign skin lesions Will CHEC manage both new and follow-up patients, or new patients only? MSE Community Dermatology Single Point of Access (SPOA) Service will provide assessment and treatment to new referrals; the follow up appointment will be arranged in line with the patients’ clinical needs. Patient initiated follow-up (PIFU) will be considered when clinically appropriate for service users following a shared decision-making process with individual service users. Are urgent suspected cancer (USC) dermatology referrals included in this service? Yes. MSE Community Dermatology SPOA will work seamlessly with Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT) in the delivery of the urgent suspected cancer pathway across mid and south Essex. Referrals sent directly to secondary care will no longer be accepted. All adult USC dermatology referrals must be submitted via the Single Point of Access (SPOA). Urgent Suspected Cancer referrals will undergo initial triage within one working day. Urgent Suspected Cancer referrals that are not suitable for teledermatology will be referred directly on to Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT). Does the service cover inflammatory skin disease (e.g. eczema, psoriasis), lesions, acne, and infections? The service covers the following: Mild to Moderate Eczema Mild to moderate Psoriasis < 10% of body Rash or lesion of diagnostic uncertainty Mild to Moderate/Severe Acne Actinic Keratosis Urticaria Rosacea Pruritis Symptomatic benign lesions on the face, e.g., seborrhoeic keratoses or epidermoid cysts Bowen’s disease BCCs – excluding those on the face Infection + infestations, e.g., tinea Lichen planus and other inflammatory disorders Pigment disorders, e.g., vitiligo Alopecia/hair loss Hirsutism* Hair/nail/scalp disorders Rashes of diagnostic uncertainty* Keloid scars Hidradenitis suppurativa Pyogenic granulomas Skin Biopsies Leg Ulcer and Tissue Viability * Very specialised areas Are minor surgical procedures (e.g. excisions, biopsies) provided within the community service? Yes, MSE Community Dermatology SPOA will undertake minor surgical procedures in line with the agreed MSE Levels of Care. This will include, but is not limited to removal of skin lesions, where the ICB Service Restriction Policy criteria is met. The service will not undertake minor ops that form part of primary care services. Will CHEC provide ongoing management plans or discharge patients back to GP care after assessment? Patients assessed as suitable for discharge back to their GP, in line with the agreed MSE Levels of Care, will receive an appropriate discharge letter. For those requiring an ongoing management plan or advice and guidance, this information will be communicated directly to the GP. Where will CHEC clinics be located across Mid and South Essex? The patients requiring face to face assessment or minor surgical procedures will be offered a choice of MSE Community Dermatology SPOA community locations within Mid and South Essex ICS boundaries: Audley Mills Surgery, 57 Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, SS6 7JF Benfleet Clinic, 513 High Road, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 5AD Billericay Medical Centre, Stock Road, Billericay, CM12 0BJ Brentwood Community Hospital, 11 Crescent Drive, Shenfield, Brentwood, CM15 8DR Leigh Primary Care Centre, 918 London Road, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 3NG Manor Street Health Hub, Manor Street, Braintree, CM7 3HP Thurrock Health Centre, 55-57 High Street, Grays, RM17 6NB Valkyrie Primary Care Centre, 50 Valkyrie Rod, Westcliffe-on-Sea, SS0 8BU In addition, suitable sites are currently being identified in the Maldon area. What will be the process for the patient accepted into MSE Community Dermatology SPOA ? Following initial triage, clinically suitable patients will be offered a virtual teledermatology assessment conducted by consultant dermatologists. The patient will receive a communication from the MSE Community Dermatology SPOA requesting the completion of a clinical questionnaire and the submission of images of their condition. These images and details will be reviewed by a consultant dermatologist, who will then communicate the outcome, diagnosis, and management plan—including any prescribed medication—to both the patient and their GP. What are the service opening times? Monday to Friday 0800-1800 What are the service contact details? Phone number: 0344 264 4160 Email: dermatology.ent1@nhs.net What is the expected waiting time from referral to triage? Urgent Suspected Cancer referrals will undergo initial triage within one working day. Urgent Suspected Cancer referrals that are not suitable for teledermatology will be referred directly on to Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT). Routine referrals will undergo initial triage within two working days. Will CHEC offer Advice & Guidance (A&G) to support GPs prior to referral? Yes, the MSE Community Dermatology Single Point of Access (SPOA) Service will provide electronic advice and guidance support to primary care. All advice and guidance requests will be responded to within two working days. The MSE Community Dermatology Single Point of Access (SPOA) Service will also be able to send advice and guidance requests to secondary care via eRS for support with on-going management of service users. Can GPs submit clinical images as part of the referral process? Yes. Referrals are accepted with or without macroscopic and dermoscopic images. Where available GPs should use macroscopic and dermoscopic images captured in primary care. What are the image quality and consent requirements? Both macroscopic and dermoscopic images are supported. If a GP cannot provide them, patients can be supported to submit their own via MySkinDoctor or attend a Community Image Hub. Is there a role for teledermatology or virtual consultations? Yes, teledermatology is a core component used for rapid diagnostics and virtual consultations via a digital MySkinDoctor app. Following image review, if patients require face to face assessment in the community they will continue within the service. If the patient requires onward referral to secondary care, CHEC will provide the patient choice of acute provider in line with the Patient Choice Policy. What is the escalation pathway if a patient requires hospital-based dermatology? If a patient (including USC) is deemed unsuitable for the community teledermatology pathway during triage, the MSE Community Dermatology Single Point of Access (SPOA) Service will refer them to their choice of acute provider for routine referrals and directly to MSEFT for USC referrals. Will CHEC directly refer patients on to secondary care if needed? Yes, if the patient requires onward referral to secondary care under the routine pathway, CHEC will provide the patient choice of acute provider in line with the Patient Choice Policy and refer them to the appropriate service. How and when will GPs receive clinic letters and outcomes? The MSE Community Dermatology Single Point of Access (SPOA) Service will provide clear communication between referring and receiving clinicians, integrated with existing clinical systems to support safe workflows. Will management plans be clearly documented with prescribing responsibility defined? Yes. Following the community dermatology assessment, consultation outcomes are sent to both the GP and the patient within five working days. These documents will clearly outline the management plan and any medications prescribed, including whether repeat prescriptions are required. Are discharge summaries sent promptly after each appointment? Yes, a discharge summary will be sent to the GP and patient within three working days following the assessment. Who should practices contact if clinic letters are delayed or incomplete? Any clinician enquiries regarding dermatology referrals should be directed to dermatology.ent1@nhs.net