Getting a Referral
Our Recommendations
Some birthmarks are complex and many of our members have initially experienced misdiagnosis or incorrect advice. Early diagnosis and treatment can be essential for certain types of birthmarks, so to get help we recommend doing the following:
Book an appointment with your GP to try and identify the type of birthmark. Ask for a referral to a dermatologist or birthmark specialist centre.
(Not all GPs will be able to diagnose the type of birthmark, particularly with children. In this instance the GP may refer you to a consultant paediatrician first, adding another step into the equation. If you are concerned that the birthmark needs more immediate attention, try and persuade your GP to refer you straight to a dermatologist or ideally to a birthmark specialist centre.)
If your doctor is not sure the best place to refer you or your child, you can always go armed with the centre name and address to help him do this.
If the GP does not wish to refer you, ask for a second opinion.
If you are referred to a consultant paediatrician/dermatologist and you are not satisfied with the prognosis, you should ask for a referral to a specialist centre.
If you are being blocked by your GP, or the reception team at your local GP practice, you can raise a complaint by contacting NHS England as follows:
How to contact NHS England
Their contact centre is available 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, except Wednesdays when they are open at the later time of 9.30am. They are closed on bank holidays.
Members of the public, patients, and their representatives can contact the customer contact centre.
You can contact NHS England by:
Phone 0300 311 22 33
Relay UK for people who are hearing or speech impaired: dial 18001 followed by 0300 311 22 33. More information is available on the Relay UK website.
British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact us via BSL video interpreter Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm.
Email england.contactus@nhs.net
or by writing to NHS England, PO Box 16738, Redditch, B97 9PT
If you are finding you are not getting very far through this process and you are concerned that the birthmark needs immediate attention please contact us by emailing info@birthmarksupportgroup.org.uk