Blackburn with Darwen Dermatology Service

NHS Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is looking for community dermatology service for the Blackburn with Darwen area.

Dermatological conditions place a significant burden on the Health Service with studies suggesting that 22.5-33% of the national population suffer from some form of skin disorder at any one time. Most self-care (69%) and 14% seek further medical advice. Skin conditions are the most frequent reason for people to consult their GP with a new problem. Of the approximately 13 million presenting with these skin conditions, around 6% are referred for specialist advice in secondary care with 92% of referrals seeing NHS specialists on a predominantly outpatient-basis.

Referrals into secondary care have increased by an average of 5% per annum for the past 10 years and whilst many patients referred require the expertise and treatment facilities that are only available in secondary care, a significant proportion do not. This combined with varying levels of service provision across England has led to increased waiting times for patient appointments and without a change to service provision, this will continue to create an increasing burden on NHS resources.

Based in the community, the service will offer local, accessible, high quality care that would allow for appropriate signposting and in most cases treatment of dermatological conditions, which are unable to be managed within primary care and appropriate signposting to alternative services if appropriate. The Intermediate Dermatology Service will integrate with GP primary care services providing minor surgery and the nurse led dermatology service and provide an appropriate operational, governance and leadership structure. Robust pathways will extend to include Pharmacy and Acute Specialist Services. The Intermediate Dermatology Service will have full responsibility for all operational management, administrative, staffing, training requirements and other associated service costs.