• Please arrive at least ten minutes before your appointment time, so you have time to park, meet our secretary/receptionist (who will usually be Mrs Patricia 'Pat' Walmsley) and relax prior to being seen. 

• We make every effort to run on time.  If practical, you may be seen early.

• Pat will give you an information/ consent form which she will ask you to sign.  This includes consent for:

  • storage of your data​

  • a letter to be sent to your GP  (in the event that you do not wish this, please draw it to both our secretary's and your consultant's attention)

  • the use of Heidi, a secure AI transcription system (approved for NHS use) to prepare/type a clinic letter

  • photography, where required, for which prior verbal consent would be sought during your consultation

  • clinical letters and other confidential information to be sent via encrypted email from secretary@manxdermatology.com (you can decrypt them by entering your date of birth in the 01/01/2000 format)

• Please bring a list of all your current medications (injections, tablets and creams), prescribed and self-obtained.  If relevant, please list any recently stopped medications, any medicines you take occasionally, and any medicines or creams previously used to treat the problem.  If you have a rash, please bring a carrier bag containing everything applied to the area, which includes cosmetics if the rash is on the face.

• The structure of the consultation is likely to be broadly as follows:

  • Introductions

  • What is the problem with which you would like help, and what is its history

  • Past skin and medical problems, medication, allergies, family history, social history, stresses etc. (alcohol, tobacco, nutrition)

  • Clinical examination  

  • Most new patients have a general skin examination.  This involves changing behind a screen, removing clothing apart from your underwear, and your skin being examined while standing up, or while lying on the examination couch if necessary.  A chaperone is available if you would like one.

  • Explanation of the nature of the problem

  • Advice and instructions as to how to treat the problem.

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The most important part of the consultation is usually when your consultant explains the problem to you and advises how it is to be treated.   Sometimes, this is a lot of information at once and can be hard to take in.  In order to help with this, we will provide you with a written report (which is a copy of the clinic letter to your GP) as soon as possible after your consultation. The letter reiterates these points to help you understand and treat your problem most effectively. You are welcome to bring a relative or friend to your consultation, which can help with remembering any instructions as to how to use your treatment.