Dermatology (Skin)
Based at Clatterbridge Hospital, our Dermatology Service has developed into one of the leading dermatology departments in the country.
Our Department consists of our 8 bedded inpatient area and our outpatient area.
Located up on the first floor out inpatient area is where we treat more intensely for skin treatments. We also have our Daycare and Phototherapy department here where patients can have treatments enabling normal daily routines to continue.
Our outpatient department at Clatterbridge Hospital located on the ground floor can undertake complex investigations such as skin biopsies as well as treatments such as leg ulcer dressings, wound dressings, patch testing and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for skin cancers.
Once a diagnosis has been made, we are able to plan and deliver all of the dermatological treatments you are likely to need.
You may even be able to carry out some of your treatment in your own home.
A monthly clinic takes place in conjunction with our maxillofacial and oculoplastic surgeons and radiotherapists for those with more complex problems. We do this clinic as it ensures patients are assessed by all the relevant doctors and departments who might need to be involved in their care in a single ‘one stop’ attendance.
Specialist Facilities
Skin Cancer
This comprises rapid access clinics for the assessment of a mole or lesion which you doctor might be worried about. Any lesion that is thought to be of concern is listed to be removed as the clinician feels appropriate, some are removed on an urgent basis between 2-4 weeks, some on a less urgent basis dependant on diagnosis. Patients are usually brought back to clinic if they require further treatment or wrote to approximately 6 weeks later.
All skin cancer surgery (and other surgery carried out in the dept) is done in our own dedicated dermatology theatres at Clatterbridge and as a result, we have not had any problems with infection such as MRSA and C Difficile. We are also able to offer other treatments for some types of skin cancer such as photodynamic therapy (PDT).
We also run a monthly clinic in conjunction with our Maxillo-Facial and Oculo-Plastic Surgeons and Radiotherapist for those with more complex problems. This ensures that such patients are assessed by all those doctors and departments who might need to be involved in their care in a single ‘one stop’ attendance.
The majority of aspects of care for those with skin cancers are provided in house except a small minority of patients with melanoma, whom we share the care with SHKT, these are patients who might need a technique called ‘sentinel node’ biopsy which is carried out at SHKT hospital. These patients would ultimately be followed up at one of the Wirral hospitals once their initial treatment has been carried out. Some patients with skin cancer are also managed by Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and under our Arrowe park Teams Maxiofacial and occuoplastics.
More informtion on the commonest premalignant and malignanant skin problems are listed below:
- Actinic Keratosis
- Bowen's disease
- BasalCell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
- Mole Self Assessment tool
Nursing Staff
The unit is run under the supervision of our Unit Manager who is responsible for all nursing both on the ward, on the daycare unit and in the outpatient clinics. She is the ‘Clinical Champion’ for the department ensuring the highest standards of nursing care along with a ‘clean and safe’ environment. She is also an active member of the North West Dermatology nurse network and the British Dermatological Nursing group.
Currently, we have multiple specialist nurse’s who run general follow up and biologic and systemic clinics, carry out minor surgery, patch testing and a skin cancer nurse who coordinates services for and acts as a focal point for contact and information for those with skin malignancies. We also have specialist nurse leads in phototherapy and photodynamic therapy aiding the highest quality in each service ran.
In addition to these specific roles, the unit is run as an integrated unit and all of our nurses rotate through the various parts of the department. All, therefore, are highly experienced in all aspects of dermatology. As a result they can also help with patient education and advice as well as carry out their normal specific duties.
The department has an active group consisting of patients, doctors, nurses and clerical representatives who meet for 1 hour every alternate month to discuss all matters relating to the department, such as departmental information, efficient running and communication about our services, local service provision issues or others matters of relevance to patients. The group is also involved with fundraising and other activities for the department.
For further information, you can contact Sister Rachael Tew or Sister Nicola McCurry on 0151 482 7780.
Alternatively, you can write to us at the following address:
Dermatology unit
Clatterbridge Hospital
Bebington
Wirral
CH63 4JY