Dermatology

Consultants:

Dr A Javed, Dr E Domanne, Dr E Davies, Dr R Llewellyn,

Specialist Nurses:

J Martin, J Walker, U Downie

The Dermatology Department offers diagnosis and management of skin conditions including skin cancer. We are based in Outpatients 1 in the Countess of Chester Hospital and have a satellite clinic in Ellesmere Port Hospital.

Specialist features of department include:

• Skin cancer diagnosis, treatment and follow-up
• Diagnosis and treatment of common skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, acne
• Diagnosis and management of rare skin disorders and skin emergencies.
• Consultant-led specialist clinics in General Dermatology, Skin cancer (Fast-Track), Paediatric Dermatology, Vulval Dermatology, Nail Disorders, Leg Ulcers, and Psoriasis (Biologic treatments)
• Nurse-led specialist clinics for skin cancer, leg ulcer and general dermatology patients
• A wide range of investigation and treatments are available including; skin surgery, phototherapy, iontophoresis, botox (for hyperhidrosis), patch tests, cryotherapy and biologic treatments
• We work closely with the Histopathology, Plastics Surgery and Maxillofacial departments in the Countess and with the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and Whiston Hospital in order to provide our patients with the most appropriate care.

Skin cancer.

If you have recently been referred or diagnosed with a skin cancer, the information on this page maybe of further support for you. The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and Malignant Melanoma (MM).

If your general practitioner suspects a skin cancer they will refer you to Dermatology or Plastic Surgery  via the FastTrack pathway, which means you should be offered an appointment within two weeks of the referral. When you come to your appointment in the Dermatology Department you will be seen by a doctor who specialises in Dermatology. They will ask you questions about your skin and your medical history, and will examine your skin. If a skin cancer is still suspected then we will offer to remove (excise) or sample (biopsy) the area concerned, so that it can be examined under the microscope. You may be offered this procedure on the same day as your appointment or at a later date. Once the skin has been examined under the microscope we are usually able to make a firm diagnosis.

If you do not have a skin cancer then you will usually be discharged. If you do have a skin cancer you may or may not need further treatment and follow-up.

A diagnosis of skin cancer can bring about concerns, worries and anxiety, these maybe practical, emotional and/or financial. In some cases a personalised care plan can be carried out jointly with your specialist nurse enabling you to identify specific needs and get the best help and support in moving forward with your treatment.

Patients are also encouraged to wear a high factor sun cream, to not get burnt or use sunbeds, and cover up in the sun. Any new or changing lesions on your skin it is strongly advised to contact your Consultant, specialist nurse or GP and to seek further advice.

Below are some contacts that you may find useful for further information and support.

• Macmillan Support and Information Centre, Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 01244364948.
• Macmillan Cancer Support 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week 8am – 8pm
• Melanoma focus.
• British Association of Dermatologist (BAD)
• Cancer research UK.
• Skcin.
• Teenage and young adult cancer services.
• Wirral holistic care services.
• Maggies.
• Melanoma patient conference.

The team also work towards improving the service we offer, by listening to patient feedback and acting on any ways that we can enhance the care you receive within our department.

The Countess Charity helps us provide more for our patients her at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Ellesmere Port. For more information please google Countess Charity.