Community Based Dermatology Service
Service Quality Performance Report
April 2025 – March 2026

Introduction

The service is led by Dr Fayyaz Chaudhri, GPwER in Dermatology.

Our team of 8 GP specialists have considerable knowledge and experience and regularly attend courses and seminars to keep abreast of any developments in dermatology. There are also two Consultant Dermatologists who work closely with the GPwSI team and run clinics on a monthly basis providing clinical input for the patients presenting with more complex conditions.

Sister Jackie Shearer, our dermatology nurse specialist, provides vital support for psoriasis and eczema patients giving them the confidence, skills and knowledge to manage their condition better and be in more control of their lives.  

This NHS service is provided from Carlisle Healthcare South in Carlisle and Cockermouth Hospital and is available to book via the e-Referral Service following a referral from the patient’s GP surgery.

Dr Martin White, GPwER in minor surgery, performs the skin operations for the dermatology patients needing treatment, with support from Mr Fergal Marlborough, maxillofacial surgeon, Dr David Brigham (GPwER) and Deborah Bradley Advanced Operating Department Practitioner.

The average waiting time from referral to first consultation for an assessment is 6 weeks with all patients treated within 18 weeks of referral.

Referrals are triaged by the admin team and passed back to the GP surgery if they don’t meet the requirements for NHS treatment. 345 Referrals were rejected this year for not meeting the criteria. Lesions of a benign nature such as skin tags, warts etc. will not be treated unless they meet evidence based criteria such as subject to trauma, increasing in size, irregular pattern, uncertainty of diagnosis. Any benign lesions that meet the criteria for treatment have a Prior Approval Ticket (PAT).

Patients are advised they can phone in for advice following their consultation.

GPs also phone for advice on a variety of problems which helps cut down on the number of referrals.

Education

The service has held regular teaching sessions for local GPs and nurses to improve knowledge of dermatology in primary care.

We are hoping to re-introduce Education events again that would usually take place in afternoons and evenings and have in the past proved very popular with GPs and nurses.

As part of the CMS education programme several GPs and trainees have also taken the opportunity to sit in on clinics to learn more about dermatology.

During this year there have been 5 GPs/Nurses sitting in for a Dermatology clinic and 1 group teaching session.

Activity

Between April 2025 – March 2026 11,563 consultations were carried out 5,135 new patients were seen and there were 6,428 follow up consultations.

On average 20 clinics a week are held with four to five doctors and a dermatology nurse specialist. A Locum consultant dermatologist is available once a month.

Included in some of those appointments:    

Included in some of those appointments:

The Dermatology service had a total of 362 DNAs over the twelve month period.

Patients are reminded by text message 2 days before their appointment to help cut down on non-attendance.

Safeguarding

There have been 0 safeguarding reports during this time period.

Duty of Candour

There have been no requirements to undertake duty of candour during this time period.

Conditions Treated

The community Dermatology Service treated a wide variety of different conditions during the year, including:

Onward Referrals   

TThe Community Dermatology Service has referred on a total of 420 patients in this reporting period:

Patient Satisfaction

At each episode of care the referring GP is notified by letter within 5 days of the consultation.  A copy of this letter is also sent electronically or given to the patient in clinic at the time of the appointment.

On the electronic message sent out to the patient with their clinic report there is also a link for survey monkey to enable them to feedback on their consultation.

Patients are also given the opportunity to give feedback on ‘iwantgreatcare’ and through our website www.cumbriamedicalservices.co.uk

1014 patients completed and returned survey forms. Results demonstrate that the following patients would recommend CMS to friends and family:

Patient comments included

• Just Frustrated nothing could be done
• Brilliant facility – clean, light and airy with no musty, stale air in any part of the building that I was in. The few staff I encountered seem happy that they work there, are friendly and helpful. Thank you.
• A breath of fresh air dr easy to understand very polite and explained treatments in a manner I could understand Dr a Credit to her profession thank you
• Mr Sloan put me at ease said nothing to worry about explained everything, asked if I wanted treated which I said yes asked all the time if I was OK, finished by saying if I needed to get in touch about anything and gave me his card with phone number, pleased with everything.
• Treatment was first class, professional and precise. Reception ladies were very helpful and polite. There was no stress or anxiety at all with this visit. Thank you.
• Very well explained my condition I am Fully aware of the course I’m now going to go down Very Professional and very good manner in dealing with the treatment Thank you
• Fantastic! From referral to appointment the whole experience was faultless. Every team member was lovely, the clinic is spotless and I was seen on time. After 6 long years I finally have a name for my condition and the correct treatment, this wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t push for a referral. This service is a huge asset to west Cumbria.
• The treatment i received was essential as it had been an ongoing issue for an extended period, the facilities were exceptional and Dr Sloan was very professional in his handling of my condition, he communicated everything that was required in an understandable and efficient manner.
• Everything is great. Our doctor was very helpful with us, even though we didn’t speak the language.
• Left a message and received a call back with 90mins…fantastic and prescription in hand