Minor Surgery Social Story
Minor Surgery Social Story
An Overview of Minor Surgery Services
Our community-based Minor Surgery service aims to enable removal of a skin lesions that the NHS will not pay for.
You will likely have self-referred to our Minor Surgery service; however, we would ask you to consult your own GP about your skin lesion in the first instance.
At the time of your enquiry, you will speak to a member of our Patient Support Team (PST). They will ask you to provide an up-to-date photograph of your skin lesion electronically. This will need to show clearly its size and location.
You will need to provide details of your registered GP practice for any follow up care and to update your medical records.
If you are suitable for our service, we will contact you with a quote and you can call to arrange an appointment, we will send you a confirmation letter along with information on how to prepare for your appointment.
Please make sure you read this and bring it along to your appointment.
We provide a one-stop appointment which includes a consultation, removal of the lesion and any necessary histology costs are included within this price.
We provide the option for a separate consultation if you would prefer.
It is advised that you bring a snack and drink with you to your appointment, particularly for patients using transport and/or are diabetic.
What is meant by Minor Surgery services?
Minor Surgery generally refers to surgical procedures that are carried out under local anaesthetic which will numb the area, and you should not feel any pain. These do not require being put to sleep and do not require any assistance with breathing.
You will be awake throughout the procedure.
Minor Surgeons are doctors who specialise in the removal of minor surgery lesions. They have received extra training and have experience and expertise.
What happens at the Minor Surgery clinic?
At the clinic you will be seen by our Minor Surgeon.
Within our clinics we are able to provide a consultation, removal of the skin lesion, and transportation of any samples for histology.
Which procedure you have done will depend on the size and location of the skin lesion.
The consultant who reviewed your initial referral will have chosen which procedure you require so they will be prepared and able to plan your care.
They will ask you some questions about your symptoms and how long they have been there.
They will also ask you about your medical history and if you are taking any regular medication.
It would be really helpful if you could bring a list of any medication you are taking.
The Minor Surgeon will discuss your surgery with you and provide you with a management plan that will also be sent back to your doctor.
You may be given a lot of information during your visit, and it is not always easy to remember everything that the Minor Surgeon has said to you.
We would therefore recommend that you bring somebody (like a family member or close friend) with you to your appointment.
You are also welcome to bring along any stimming items or sensory tools that may help to reassure you during your appointment with us.
If you have any questions or queries prior to your appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us at Cohese Healthcare: –
Minor Surgery Service: 0333 332 2107
Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
References
Minor Skin Surgery- Available at: https://cohese.healthcare/self-pay-services/#Patient-Information Accessed February 2026
Writing Prescriptions. Available at: https://fpm.ac.uk/opioids-aware-best-professional-practice/writing-opioid-prescriptions Accessed February 2025