We have been writing to inform patients of an upcoming change to the way dermatology services are provided in Mid and South Essex.
From Saturday 31 January 2026, Provide Community will stop delivering community dermatology services. From this date, responsibility for providing this care will transfer to Community Health and Eyecare Limited.
This change is being managed carefully to ensure that patients continue to receive their dermatology care with minimal disruption.
What this means for patients
If you are currently receiving dermatology care from Provide Community, your care will transfer automatically to Community Health and Eyecare Limited. To support continuity of care, your dermatology records will be transferred securely to the new provider. If you are happy for your care and records to be transferred, you do not need to do anything. Community Health and Eyecare Limited will contact you in due course to arrange your appointment.
If you do not wish for your care and dermatology records to be transferred, you have the right to refuse consent. To object to the transfer of your personal data, please contact us within one week of the date of your letter by emailing provide.askus@nhs.net.
If you choose not to consent, Provide Community will not retain your dermatology record, and you will be discharged back to your registered GP to discuss future treatment options.
Data privacy and your rights
We take your privacy very seriously. Your rights under the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR will be protected throughout this service transition to Community Health and Eyecare Limited.
Provide Community will be the sole Data Controller of your healthcare record. Therefore, if you wish to exercise any of your rights in relation to that data, please do not hesitate to contact our Data Protection Officer by emailing John Adegoke – provide.infogov@nhs.net.
We understand that changes to services can be concerning and are committed to supporting patients throughout this transition.
