New skin cancer service launched

A new skin cancer treatment service is set to be launched in Warrington on July 1.
Patients with suspect moles and skin lesions will be diagnosed and treated by dermatologists at a local clinic based at the Wolves Stadium.
Patients will benefit from a service closer to home once it comes to Warrington, since skin cancer patients currently have to travel to the Wirral for treatment.
The new facility comes one year on from the launch of a community based Dermatology Service in July 2009. The service, provided by Warrington Community Services Unit (CSU), is now getting ready to deliver the additional cancer treatments after a year of work to make sure the service meets the high national quality standards required.
Consultant Dermatologist Dr John Ashworth said: “The new service includes assessment, diagnosis, dermatological surgery and discussion with other health care professionals to determine the best treatment plan for individual patients diagnosed with skin cancer.
“People who are worried about skin lesions such as moles which have changed colour, grown in size, are itching or bleeding, should still visit their GP as their first port of call. From July 1, people who visit their GP with these symptoms will be referred to the new community based service.
“Skin cancer rates are on the increase in Britain, but is an easy illness to prevent with a bit of common sense. When it’s sunny, cover up with a shirt and hat, keep to the shade and wear a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or above. Using sunbeds is linked to increased chances of skin cancer, so it is best not to use them at all – if you want a tan you can save your skin and use one of the many excellent fake tan products which are now on the market.”
Since the launch of the new Dermatology Service in 2009, Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has delivered the skin cancer service at its Clatterbridge Hospital site. Warrington patients have had to travel to the hospital in the Wirral for assessment and treatment of skin lesions thought to be skin cancer.
John commented: “Patients who have used the service at Clatterbridge Hospital have reported an excellent standard of clinical care, however the distance to travel for Warrington patients was not ideal. This new service means patients will receive care closer to home.”
More complex cases, for example facial lesions requiring removal by plastic surgeons, will be referred to on to specialist centres.