Appointments
Hidradenitis suppurativa
How to get an appointment
Your GP or other health professional can refer you.
Changing or cancelling your appointment
Phone: 020 7188 6279 or 020 7188 7307
Email: gstt.hs-immunobullous@nhs.net
Please tell us as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel your appointment.
Before your appointment
Please bring a list of:
- investigations or treatments you have already had for your HS
- all medicines you take, for your HS and any other condition
- any allergies you have
- infections you have had, including chickenpox
- any vaccinations you have received
- the names and contact details for any specialists you see for your HS or any other condition you receive hospital care for
- any questions you may have
You are welcome to bring a friend or relative for support.
We want you to feel comfortable during your appointment. A chaperone is always available. Please ask us if you would like a chaperone.
During your appointment
Your first appointment may take up to 3 hours.
A nurse may:
- take your blood pressure
- measure your height and weight
You'll see one of our medical dermatology team. You may see a senior consultant. If you do not see a senior consultant we'll discuss your condition with them after your appointment.
You may also see one or all of:
- a clinical nurse specialist to talk about treatment plans and provide advice and guidance
- our team psychologist for support with psychological problems related to HS
- our consultant microbiologist to review antibiotic therapies
- a surgical consultant who specialises in surgery for HS
- a member of our clinical research team
At your appointment we'll ask you questions about your condition. These will include questions about:
- your hidradenitis suppurativa
- other health problems you have
- previous and current treatments you're receiving
- how your condition affects you
- your main concerns and goals
We'll examine your skin with your permission.
We may need to do some tests during the appointment, such as blood tests or skin swabs.
We'll develop an investigation and treatment plan with you.
We're a teaching hospital and sometimes students or other health professionals will be in the clinic. We'll ask you if you're happy for them to be at your appointment. It will not affect your care if you prefer not to have them there.
After your appointment
We'll send a letter to you and your local health team summarising your visit. Please let our receptionist know if you do not want to receive a copy of the letter.
We'll arrange any follow-up appointments or further investigation if you need them.
We'll give you a treatment plan and contact details for our team.
Last updated: April 2025
