The dermatology department provides NHS treatment to patients with a range of different skin conditions.  The department is consultant led and is based at Litchdon House, at Litchdon Medical Centre.

Patients need a referral from their GP to access our services.

*To contact Dermatology, please telephone 01271 312850. All calls are recorded for training and quality purposes.

The department provides a wide variety of dermatology outpatient and day-case services including clinics, skin surgery and phototherapy. The department also provides dermatology training to medical students from the Peninsula Medical School, as well as postgraduate training to dermatology specialist registrars, and GPs with a specialist interest in dermatology.

Latest Friend and Family results show 91% of our patients would highly recommend our services to their friends or family.

Dermatology Info for GPs

Please report to the receptionist on arrival and you will be directed to the correct clinic.

If you have recently moved house or changed GP, please let the receptionist know so that your details can be updated.

Please note that a number of clinics are likely to be running at the same time, so patients in the waiting area may not necessarily be attending the same clinic as you. A member of staff will inform you if there is a significant delay in your appointment time.

This is a teaching department and medical students may be present during your consultation. Please let reception know if you would prefer the students not to be present.

After your visit the doctor will send a full report to your GP detailing any further treatment or tests you may require. Your GP should receive this information within two weeks of your visit. It may take longer if you have had complex investigations.

Sometimes it is possible for patients to receive treatment on the same day as their assessment. Please click on here for advice and guidance. If you are unable to attend your appointment it is important that you contact the department in advance.

• We strongly advise that you do not smoke before or after your procedure as this may cause the wound to break down.
• Please be aware if you intend to go on holiday soon after your treatment you may have stitches which will need removing. This will be between one and three weeks after your procedure.
• You are advised to have someone with you, who will be able to drive you home after your minor operation.
• Continue to take any medication you are on, unless told otherwise. If you take Warfarin, blood thinners or Aspirin please contact us for advice.
• You will have everything explained to you on the day of your operation. You will be asked to sign a consent form prior to your operation.
• Your procedure will be carried out with a local anaesthetic and full instructions on wound care will be given to you following your operation.
• You are advised to have simple pain relief at home, (e.g. Paracetamol)
• We will ask you to wait in the waiting area for ten minutes after your operation to make sure that you feel alright.
• You are advised to go straight home after your discharge from the unit, and have a quiet day. It is not advisable to go shopping, or to do any strenuous exercise as this could cause your wound to bleed.
• If you know you are MRSA positive, kindly inform the reception staff before you attend your appointment.
• If you have any questions about your procedure, do not hesitate to ring Litchdon House on 01271 312850.
• If you do not want to keep your appointment in Dermatology, please phone the Department so that your appointment can be offered to another patient.

• General dermatology clinics
• Pigmented lesion (Mole) clinic
• Non-melanoma skin clinic
• Paediatric dermatology clinic
• Biologics clinic
• Patch testing
• Phototherapy

There are restrictions on the referral of harmless or cosmetic skin conditions to the department. Please discuss this with your GP for further information.

General dermatology clinics

General dermatology clinics run on most days and provide new and follow-up care for adult patients with all types of skin conditions including skin rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin infections.

Pigmented lesion (Mole) clinic

This provides a rapid-access diagnosis and treatment service for adult patients with suspicious moles and suspected melanoma skin cancer, this clinic also provides a diagnosis and treatment service for adult patients with suspected skin cancer.

Non-melanoma clinic

This clinic provides a diagnosis and treatment service for adult patients with lumps & bumps including basal cell carcinoma.

Paediatric dermatology clinic

The paediatric dermatology clinic provides dermatology care for children  (under 16 years) with all types of skin conditions including atopic eczema, acne, skin infections, psoriasis, genetic skin diseases and birthmarks.

Biologics clinic

This clinic provides monitoring for patients receiving biologic treatments for severe psoriasis.

Patch testing

This type of allergy testing is used to investigate certain types of dermatitis/eczema, (contact dermatitis).

Phototherapy

Ultraviolet light therapy is used to treat a range of skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Treatment is usually given 2-3 times a week. Two types of ultraviolet light therapy are available in the department; PUVA and narrow band UVB (TLO1).

Phototherapy leaflet

Nicola Harrington – Dermatology Manager   

Clinicians

Dr Karen Davies – Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Ben Waterfall – Associate Specialist   

Dr Jonny Smithson – GPwSI   

Dr Laura Armstrong – Speciality Doctor

Dr Hazel Warner - Speciality Doctor

Dr Cath Smith - GPwSI Locum  

Dr Helen Frow - Visiting Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Chris Bower – Visiting Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Rebecca Batchelor – Visiting Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Emily McGrath – Visiting Consultant Dermatologist   

Nursing Staff

The Department has developed a range of specialist nursing skills, including nurse-led biologics clinics, patch testing, a phototherapy clinic, and nurse surgical lists.

Laura Beer – Skin Cancer Nurse Specialist

Heather Ellis – Dermatology Nurse Specialist

Jenny MacLeod – Dermatology Nurse Specialist

Avril Bell – MacMillan Cancer Support Nurse

Clara Rodliff – Dermatology Nurse Specialist

Anita Carter– Dermatology Nurse

Mary Hales - Dermatology Nurse

Kerry Hayden - Dermatology Nurse

Caroline Hales - Dermatology Nurse

Theresa Fishleigh – Healthcare Assistant

Sarah Bond - Healthcare Assistant

Rachel Beacham - Healthcare Assistant