Heartbeat: Dermatology’s flexible working to maintain cancer service

June 22, 2020

Services across our organisation have had to be rethought as we take on the needs of patients while reacting to the scientific evidence of COVID-19, the guidance of Public Health England and the government. For some services, this has meant ‘upping sticks’ and relocating at short notice, yet despite all of this these services continue. One example of success comes from our dermatology skin cancer service.

Cancer, specifically maintaining the treatment of cancer, has become a hot topic in the press. We are continuing to provide services for two-week wait referrals – both for diagnosis and the treatment of cancer, with some cases being carried out at different sites, including in local private hospitals. GPs have been given updated guidance to ensure patients have access to clinic or telephone reviews and onward investigations as appropriate.

To do this the dermatology team had to “reimagine” the skin cancer service and moved much of it off-site to the Westbourne clinic, a move they accomplished within the space of a week.

The team are working in a somewhat unusual situation. Anne Rutland, Skin Cancer CNS for the Birmingham Skin Centre explained: “A patient visited Westbourne Clinic, to assess if a lesion on his foot needed surgery and to identify if there was skin cancer present.

“The area was assessed by Dr Thomson and our plastic surgeon, Mr Salahuddin who agreed that the surgery needed to happen. As there was a cancellation on his surgical list, he could do the procedure immediately and the patient consented. So whilst the clinician, Dr Thomson was documenting the assessment on Unity, Mr Salahuddin and his team were able to perform the biopsy.

“This rolling treatment by practitioners effectively turned dermatology into a one-stop-shop. It reduced the need for the patient, who had reduced mobility, to re-attend the department and expose himself to risk. The patient was happy to participate in the procedure and left the clinic relieved that his treatment has started.”

A helpline for patients and carers or organisations with any questions they may have around their cancer diagnosis and the coronavirus has been set up.

The number, for non-urgent enquiries, is 0121 507 3817 and is available from 10am until 2pm.