- You are here:
- Home
- > Get Involved
- > Consultations
- > Specialist Community Dermatology Service
New NHS service for treating skin complaints closer to home
This consultation is now closed.
Specialist Community Dermatology Service
A new service is being developed for patients needing treatment for skin complaints.
The new service aims to provide first class care for patients with the most appropriate health care professional and in the most appropriate place. This will mean that many patients will be seen and treated in the community, closer to where they live and work.
Doctors’ referrals will be reviewed by a specialist in dermatology who will recommend the best place for the patient to be seen. This could be in a community site or at the hospital depending on the condition to be treated.
Why does the service need to change?
Last year Sheffield people said that they wanted more community based services. Between 17% and 29% of the Sheffield people suffer from dermatological problems. Currently, patients visit their pharmacist, their GP or go to the hospital to receive treatment. Not everybody needs to go to hospital. There are a number of conditions that can now be managed by a dermatology service in the community.
What are the benefits for patients?
Each patient’s condition will be thoroughly assessed by a specialist in dermatology. The patient will be offered a choice of the most appropriate clinician and venue for their condition. Patients will receive clear advice and information from the person they see. All patients in Sheffield will be able to access the same services.
We aim to make the community venues more convenient to patients, with better public transport links or car parking.
Your Views
This consultation is now closed.
Survey results
The survey was part of the preparation work to tender for a community dermatology service, dealing with a level of service above what is usually provided by GPs. The aim of the survey was to understand what was important to patients in terms of access, environment and treatment.
There were 55 respondents. Themes that came out consistently were:
- Need to for local care with good parking and near a bus route.
- Opening times were very important to people. People wanted after hours and weekend openings.
- It was important to have consistency of clinician and have their care explained.
- Share this!
- Delicious
- Digg
- StumbleUpon
