A new dermatology service for north Kent and Medway will go live on 1 April, offering patients across Medway, Swale, Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley a more consistent service and shorter waiting times.
Dermatology is the medical term for the treatment or management of skin conditions which can include rashes, lesions, lumps on the skin, changes to moles and skin cancer. Conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis are commonly seen within a dermatology clinic.
The North Kent Dermatology Service will be run by provider DMC Healthcare, which currently operates clinics in Medway and Swale. Clinics will be provided in various locations in the community, closer to people’s homes, rather than patients having to travel to hospital unnecessarily.
Medway CCG led the procurement for a new provider on behalf of Medway, Swale and Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley (DGS) Clinical Commissioning Groups. A period of engagement began in October 2018 with an online survey which received 209 responses, two of which were from staff.
Current users of dermatology services were involved in the procurement process with three patients sitting on the selection panel for the new service provider.
Patients told Medway CCG they wanted ‘good quality treatment which meets my needs’, and ‘a quick service – not having to wait too long for an appointment’ was also seen as very important.
The North Kent Dermatology Service will be consultant led, supported and delivered by a range of healthcare professionals with specialist skills in dermatology at local clinics. Patients will be referred by their GP and can expect to receive a routine appointment within six weeks, which is a significant improvement on current waiting times. For patients where there is a suspicion of cancer, an appointment will be offered within 14 days.