No. I am an Advanced Nurse Practitioner with special interest, additional training and many years of experience in the assessment of skin lesions and rashes at primary care level.

If a Consultant assessment is required (or requested by the patient), images of suspicious moles and other skin lesions can be sent to a UK registered Consultant Dermatologist for assessment. This will always be done in cases of diagnostic uncertainty. Patients can always request this if they wish for a second opinion (additional fee applies).

Any mole or skin lesion that is

• new or changing in any way (size, colour, shape)

• bleeding, ulcerating or scabbing, “just not healing”

• painful or itchy

• looking different from other moles, or just “doesn’t look right”

should be assessed by a suitably qualified medical professional as soon as possible. Although the majority of skin changes are harmless, if skin cancer does develop it can be treated much more successfully if it is caught early. This is why Access Dermatology exists in the first place!

Some people should have skin checks more frequently/regularly:

• People with a history of extensive sun exposure, especially those with fair skin

• People with previous skin cancers, or a history of skin cancers in the family

• People who take medications suppressing the immune system, such as transplant patients or those with auto immune conditions.

Access Dermatology can keep images of your moles on file using our Mole Track service. Comparing newer images with previous ones makes it easier to spot changes.

If cancer is suspected, your GP is informed immediately so they can initiate a referral to  a specialist. An urgent medical report, including details of the findings and images, is sent to your GP by both email and 1st class mail. They will also receive a phone call. Patients get a copy of this report, with a recommendation to also contact their GP themselves. This “triple signal” approach prevents avoidable delays due to missing mail or any transmission problems. Any necessary doctor’s letters and reports are included in the consultation fee; there is no further admin charge.

Please note that skin cancers can vary greatly in their urgency. I will always clearly and openly discuss my diagnosis and any suspicions with you, and you will have the time and opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Most of the time, yes, as long as I have been able to determine that the lesion is benign. Lesions such as dermal moles, skin tags and seborrhoic warts can be safely and painlessly frozen with a device using nitrous oxide gas. In some limited circumstances, certain superficial pre-cancerous lesions can also be treated either with freezing or prescription of special creams.

I am unable to provide surgical removal or tissue sampling (biopsy).

Yes, with some exceptions. A small prescription fee applies, which does not include the cost of the medication. The patient is responsible for paying the retail price of the medication directly to the UK registered pharmacy of their choice. Retail prices for medications vary, so I recommend that patients shop around for higher cost items.

Under some circumstances GPs may agree to convert a private prescription to an NHS one, however this is at their sole discretion. Patients need to be aware that GPs have the right to refuse this, and many do.

Please contact me if you need to discuss this in detail.

No, sorry. Currently my registration covers adults above the age of 18 only.

Absolutely, I would encourage bringing a trusted person to accompany you if it helps you feel more relaxed. I only ask that you limit this to one person, who should be a responsible adult over the age of 18.

Please do not bring any pets to your appointment; they will not be able to enter the premises. If you request a home visit, please ensure any pets are secured in a different room. This is for reasons of both hygiene and safety – I know from experience that even timid pets can react unpredictably during medical treatment involving their beloved humans! Access Dermatology is not responsible for appointments that cannot go ahead because of the presence of a nervous pet.