TREATMENT CLOSER TO HOME FOR DERMATOLOGY PATIENTS S
kin conditions and complaints are something which most people experience at some time in their lives. However thanks to new community dermatology services, patients at Northampton General Hospital can now get many treatments closer to home at local GP practices. The concept behind the new project is to integrate dermatology services into the local community with GPs with a special interest in dermatology (GPwSI), treating patients with mild to moderate dermatological conditions, saving many patients a trip to the hospital. Community dermatology clinics have been established in three GP surgeries in Northampton; Delapre Medical Centre, King Edward Road Surgery and Whitefields Surgery. The clinics enable patients to see the most appropriate clinician for their condition, at the first appointment. Referrals are all made using an online system (e-Referral) which allows patients to choose the day, time and location of their appointment, enabling more flexibility and choice for patients. Louise, who attended the clinic with her 5 year old son, described: “It’s helpful to be able to go to the local GP clinic as the waiting time is reduced. The service itself is less rushed and it gives us more time to talk through all of the medical needs with the consultants, doctors and nurses.” GPs who want to specialise in
dermatology received training from dermatology consultants at NGH, which includes shadowing consultant clinics as well as gaining valuable practical experience in a hospital setting. Once qualified, the GP receives support from dermatology nurses and have consultant supervision during their clinics. For consultants, it allows them to work in partnership with local GPs, sharing knowledge and skills to ensure a high quality service is delivered for patients in Northampton.
Jamie John, senior manager, strategy & partnerships at NGH, explained how the integrated service benefits patients: “The community dermatology service is dedicated to providing integrated working across primary and secondary care, to ensure patients in Northamptonshire experience a seamless transition between community and specialist consultant care. This approach offers the opportunity to develop and train the local workforce, to ensure we build sustainable services for the future and provide high quality care to patients.”
Rachel Ruddy and Denise Morgan pictured with a young patient at Delapre Medical Centre
New campaign urges employees to think family
Rosina and Alexandra with their posters about family
A new campaign devised by NGH’s safeguarding team is urging our employees to Think Family and consider the whole family situation when a patient is admitted to us. The campaign is supported by artwork from three children who have been patients on Paddington ward: Rosina aged 7, Alexandra aged 7 and Masoomah aged 9, were invited by the safeguarding children’s team to draw their idea of a family. The children’s drawings were then adapted into posters which will be displayed throughout the hospital.
Sue McRae-Samuel, named nurse for safeguarding children, described the idea behind the project: “The concept behind the campaign was to use the drawings to prompt staff to adopt a ‘Think Family’ approach. It’s important for us to know if a patient has dependents at home, or, if they are a caregiver to ensure both the patient, and those at home, are safe and well and their needs are met.” Congratulations to Rosina, Alexandra and Masoomah - look out for their posters in the hospital!
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