Dermatology - Northern Services

The dermatology department for our Northern services provides NHS treatment to patients with a range of different skin conditions. The department is consultant led and is based at Litchdon House, opposite Litchdon Medical Centre. Patients need a referral from their GP to access our services.

To find out more about how to get here, visit our Litchdon House page.

What to expect on arrival

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.

Advice for patients having an operation

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.

Clinics and services available

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.

Specialist clinics and services

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).

The team

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.