Basildon Hospital 2022-09-05 Person 1 5 0

Awful service when waiting for suspected skin cancer. I had 2 skin cancers removed from my nose 4 years ago and luckily this was done in Guys. On 8.10.21, my GP referred me to Basildon Hospital Dermatologist for a suspected skin cancer on my nose and back. I attended a dermatology appointment via Basildon Hospital Dermatology Dept on 12th January 2022. The dermatologist confirmed it looks like 2 skin cancers on my nose and also the lesion on my back. She said both on my nose must be done in Basildon Hospital as it’s the face and the one on my back can be removed in the clinic. 26th March 2022, I attended a Rayleigh Clinic and had the one on my back removed. I asked the surgeon to do a biopsy of the 2 on my face but he said he would not be allowed to do this. I complained to PALS as the 2 I had removed by Guys was completed within a couple of weeks from the initial referral. The dermatologist called me up from Basildon Hospital said I had to attend clinic again! On 19th May 2022, I attended to be told the same thing! The dermatologist from Basildon called me up to ask for me to attend clinic in Canvey, I said I was told the 2 on my nose must be done in hospital. She assured me that the plastic surgeon was attending the clinic and he is fully capable of removing the lesions. I attend the Canvey clinic on 24th August 2022. I was shocked when the surgeon said it was only a biopsy! He said sometimes if they have clear margins, he can remove all of it. He cut 2 chunks out of my face and told me one was 4 stitches and one was 3 stitches! As he was operating on me, the nurse went “ouch you nicked my finger” to the surgeon, he carried on cutting me and never changed the blade! He then said to the nurse “maybe you should change your gloves”. She then said she never thought it tore the glove. When the stitches were removed, there was 3 on one side and 2 on the other! This does not inspire confidence in me at all. I was also told it’s an 8 week wait for the biopsy! The stitches are now out and there are no clear margins as he has left part of the lesion still there. I have lost confidence in the hospital completely and they have ignored my messages for a callback and nobody answers and the phone often gets cut off after several rings!