Thousands more people across Essex* are receiving faster dermatology care closer to home following NHS investment in a new integrated community dermatology service.
The service, commissioned by NHS Essex and delivered in partnership with CHEC, is helping more patients receive specialist assessment and treatment in community settings, reducing the need to travel to hospital wherever it is clinically appropriate.
In May alone, over 4,300 people received routine dermatology care in the community meaning hundreds avoided an unnecessary trip to hospital for their care.
The service is also transforming how patients access specialist advice through the use of teledermatology, enabling clinicians to assess skin conditions using secure photographs and digital technology. This means many patients can receive a specialist review, diagnosis and treatment more quickly without needing to attend hospital in person.
The improvements support the NHS ambition to modernise outpatient care by making greater use of technology, improving access to specialist advice and ensuring patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Since launching last year, the service has helped:
More patients receive care closer to home.
Improve access to specialist dermatology advice and treatment.
Reduce unnecessary hospital outpatient appointments.
Ensure patients with suspected skin cancer or more serious conditions are identified and prioritised more quickly.
Improve referral quality, helping patients reach the most appropriate service first time.
Dr Elizabeth Towers, GP Clinical Lead for NHS Essex, said:
“Skin conditions affect thousands of people across Essex every year, and we know that timely assessment and treatment can make a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing.
“Local investment in community dermatology is now helping thousands of patients receive the right care without always needing to travel to hospital. By bringing together specialist expertise, digital technology and community services, we are improving access, reducing unnecessary appointments and helping patients begin treatment sooner.”
Samantha Goldberg, Executive Director of Commissioning for Acute and Adult Mental Health Services for NHS Essex, continued “This is an important step in transforming outpatient care so that services are more convenient, joined-up and focused on what matters most to patients. New ways of working between specialists, GPs and community teams, alongside more investment in diagnostic services, are already helping more people get faster access to care.
“Over the next five years, we are determined to make health services better in Essex by reducing waits, improving access and providing more joined-up care closer to home.”
Iwona Ngody, Director of NHS Services at CHEC, said:
“We’re proud to be working alongside NHS Essex to deliver an integrated dermatology service that is already making a positive difference for patients.
“By combining consultant-led expertise with innovative digital technology and community-based clinics, we’re helping people access specialist care more quickly while ensuring hospital appointments remain available for those who need them most.”
The service brings together GP practices, community teams and hospital specialists to provide a single, integrated pathway for adult dermatology referrals. Patients are assessed by the most appropriate clinician and may receive advice to self-manage, treatment in the community, tele dermatology review or referral to hospital where specialist care is required.
Early results also show the service is improving referral quality and reducing pressure on hospital outpatient clinics, supporting faster access for patients requiring specialist care while helping ensure NHS resources are used as effectively as possible.
Residents who notice unusual changes to their skin should continue to contact their GP practice, who can refer them into the service where appropriate.
