30/08/05

A new GP led dermatology clinic at Dilke Memorial Hospital got underway on Monday 22 August, with the aim of increasing the number of appointments available to the local population in the Forest of Dean.

The outpatient clinic provides specialist diagnosis of skin conditions following a patient's referral from their GP and will identify and treat conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and carry out some minor surgical procedures.

The clinic led by local GP, Dr Paul King from Drybrook Surgery runs once a month and it means that dermatology services, including the consultant led clinics run by Gloucestershire Foundation Hospitals NHS Trust, are now all available on one site in the Forest.

Dr Paul King said:

"I am very pleased to be providing these services at Dilke Memorial Hospital and at the same time helping to maintain and develop the range of healthcare services provided at a local level in the Forest of Dean."

Director of Service Delivery at the PCT, John Ford said:

"This is one of a number of planned service developments at our community hospitals and reinforces the vital role they play in providing important and highly valued services to local patients. GP led services such as this are becoming increasingly important in helping to diagnose and treat a growing number of health conditions within local communities."