About our service
We provide a comprehensive range of dermatology outpatient services to support patients with both common and complex skin conditions.
Dermatology clinics and services we provide
- General Dermatology Clinics
Assessment, diagnosis, and management of a wide variety of skin conditions. - Dermatology & Plastics 2-Week Wait Skin Cancer Clinics (See & Treat)
Rapid-access clinics for urgent assessment and treatment of suspected skin cancers. - Contact Dermatitis Clinic
Specialist evaluation and management of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. - Genital Dermatology Clinic
Expert assessment and treatment of dermatological conditions affecting the genital area. - Paediatric Dermatology Clinic
Specialist care for infants, children, and young people with skin conditions. - Phototherapy Services
Light-based treatments for conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and other chronic dermatoses. - Hair Disorder Management
Diagnosis and treatment of hair and scalp conditions. - Cancer Nurse Specialist Clinics
Supportive care, guidance, and specialist follow-up for patients with skin cancer. - Biologics Nurse Specialist Clinics
Assessment, education, and monitoring for patients receiving biologic therapies.
Our outpatient departments provide care for patients who need to be seen by a medical professional but do not require admission to hospital. You may be offered an outpatient appointment for a few reasons:
- Referral from your GP
Your GP may feel that you need specialist assessment or treatment and will refer you to the appropriate dermatology clinic. - Follow-up care
If you have previously been seen in one of our dermatology clinics, we may arrange a follow-up appointment to review your condition or treatment plan. - Post-admission review
After a hospital stay, you may be asked to attend an outpatient clinic so we can assess your recovery and plan any ongoing care you may need.
How to access our services
Our service is provided at our main hub at University Hospital North Durham with an offsite service at Sunderland Royal Hospital.
Dermatology outpatient appointments are held in our outpatient clinics, where you will be seen by an appropriate health professional - this could be a consultant, Specialist GP with special interests in Dermatology, Nurse, or a specialist Nurse.
Your appointment
If you have lost your letter or need to confirm the date or time of your appointment, please contact the Central Appointments Office at Durham. It’s really important that you let us know if you can’t attend your appointment - please telephone the hospital as soon as possible, so we can offer your appointment to someone else. If required, we will offer you an alternative appointment.
What happens in my appointment?
Please don’t arrive more than 15 minutes before your appointment time. Patients in our clinics are seen in the order of their appointment time, and arriving earlier will not mean you will be seen earlier.
Upon arrival, please report to the reception desk with your appointment letter or card. Our friendly reception staff will confirm your personal details, such as your name, address, telephone number and next of kin.
You will be asked to take a seat in our waiting area until you’re until your scheduled appointment time.
Please bring a list of your medication with you to your appointment. You may be weighed have bloods taken or asked to provide a urine sample by a member of our nursing staff if necessary.
We aim to see all patients within 30 minutes of their appointment time, however unexpected delays can sometimes occur - we appreciate your patience if this does happen, and we’ll do our best to keep you updated.
If you receive a prescription at your appointment, please note that it will need to be collected from an outside pharmacy.
If you arrive 15 minutes late for your appointment you may not be able to be seen on that day as our clinics are extremely busy and another appointment may be made. We understand our carpark is very busy if you are trying to find a carpark space and running late please contact us on: 0191 3332726.
What happens after my appointment?
After your appointment, you may:
- Be asked to return for another outpatient appointment. The receptionist will agree a convenient date and time with you, before you leave
- Require further tests - we will give you details of how these will be arranged
- Be added to a waiting list to have further treatment or surgery at a later date. Details of how this will be arranged and will be explained to you.
- Be returned to the care of your GP.
Visiting the UK
Hospital treatment is free to people who live in the United Kingdom (UK). If you do not normally live in the UK, you may be asked to pay for your treatment. Our staff may ask you some additional questions to determine if you are eligible for free treatment.