3rd May 2023
Following the announcement of the very successful rollout of the Dermatology Photo Triage pathway in GP practices across Northern Ireland, Sharon Gallagher, Deputy Secretary was delighted to be speaking at Queens University for the launch of the service on the Action Cancer Big Bus.
The Dermatology Photo Triage pathway started as a pilot in 2018 and following very successful results was rolled out to GP practices across Northern Ireland in 2022. The aim of the pathway is to help reduce waiting times and give patients with skin conditions and suspected skin cancer rapid access to specialist consultants without having to wait on hospital appointments. Simultaneously in 2022 agreement was reached to allow Action Cancer to also access and use this technology to refer clients with suspect lesions directly into secondary care.
The referral pathway involves the use of a camera to take high quality pictures of a patient’s skin irregularity or mole at their initial appointment with the GP. These images are then sent electronically to a skin specialist at a hospital. It means a patient is able, through the use of technology, to obtain a rapid diagnosis and treatment plan from a consultant without having to attend a hospital.
The service on board the Big Bus supplements the service, increasing choice and accessibility. The free service is being delivered on board the charity’s mobile unit, the Big Bus (supported by SuperValu and Centra) and at Action Cancer House in Belfast and is being funded by the Department of Health through the COVID 19 Cancer Charities Support Fund to 31st March 2024.
Also speaking at the event was Magherafelt based GP, Dr John Diamond and Dr David Alderdice, Consultant Dermatologist and Clinical Director for Cancer Services in the South Eastern Trust.
Both doctors were not only involved in the pilot phase and instrumental in ensuring primary and secondary care colleagues came together to ensure successful delivery of the pathway, but are fully supportive and influential in the extension of the services to the Big Bus.
Sharon Gallagher, Deputy Secretary, Strategic, Planning and Performance Group commented;
“The roll out of this service to Action Cancer is an extension of what is a very successful pathway currently available in 96% of GP practices in Northern Ireland. Providing additional routes for patients to access services will not only help alleviate pressures on hospital waiting lists, but give patients more timely access to diagnosis and treatment plans.
Initiatives like the Dermatology Photo Triage pathway, highlight the importance of good linkages and collaborative work between all healthcare providers. Primary care, secondary care and charities, all working together to deliver a service, which is central to the successful transformation of health and social care.”
Recognition was given to the work of all those involved in the development and roll out of this innovative scheme including
- Gareth Kirk and Geraldine Kerr from Action Cancer,
- GP Clinical Lead, Dr John Diamond,
- our Secondary Care Consultants,
- our Health and Social care partner, Business Services Organisation
- and finally, Roger Kennedys Project Team.
The Project Team with Dr John Diamond and Geraldine Kerr from Action Cancer
Wishing Action Cancer every success in reaching even more patients regionally and identifying those who have early symptoms of skin cancer and giving them quicker access to a treatment plan.
If you are over the age of 18 and are concerned about a changing mole or lesion anywhere on your skin, please make an appointment with your GP. Alternatively, visit www.actioncancer.org to see if you meet the eligibility criteria to book a virtual assessment.