WINNER
Dermatology Photo Triage e-Referral Pathway
by Strategic Planning and Performance Group, Department of Health NI
The dermatology photo triage e-referral pathway enables the capture and transfer of images alongside clinical information from primary and community care to dermatology teams in secondary care for patients with suspected skin cancer and urgent Basal Cell Carcinoma. This pathway supports reform strategy by addressing waiting times, expanding capacity and capability in primary care, improves direct access between primary and secondary care and enables secondary care to meet patient demand. It improves the accuracy of the e-triage process maximising existing systems. The pathway was launched on the Action Cancer Big Bus in 2023.
Judges’ comments:
The entry by Strategic Planning and Performance Group, Department of Health NI was very strong with a great summary of the situation. It was impressive in the way it pulled primary and secondary care together, with clear outputs. The judges loved the patient video and the impact really came through. The innovation of taking the bus out to rural areas made the project all the more impressive.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Developing a Nurse-led Alopecia Treatment and Support Service
by Salford Royal Care Organization, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, Greater Manchester, M6 8HD, UK
Hair loss can have a significant impact on quality of life and self-esteem. Management requires a multi-professional team approach to support not only the treatment, but also the psychological and cosmetic impact of the condition. Here we describe one component of the holistic care we offer through our specialist hair loss service at Salford – our nurse-led (NL) treatment and support services for topical immunotherapy, steroid injection, and cosmetic camouflage.
These services not only allow consultant-led management plans to be delivered whilst freeing capacity in the main clinic, but also provide informal psychological support with repeated opportunities to support patients emotionally.
Judges’ comments:
Developing a nurse-led alopecia treatment and support service impressed with a team who really worked hard to address patients’ needs. The entry was very well put together, with strong videos. The judges particurly liked the vibration assisted analgesia and the well demonstrated information. It was great to see the future plans for4 the project.
COMMENDED
The Collaborative Impact of DMC Healthcare’s Partnership with Lincolnshire ICB and United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust (ULHT) on Reducing Dermatology Patient Waiting Lists Post-COVID Recovery
by DMC Healthcare
DMC Healthcare, Lincolnshire ICB, and ULHT collaborated to address the Dermatology waiting lists in Lincolnshire following the Covid-19 crisis, which surged to nearly 8,000 patients, with wait times exceeding 100 weeks. DMC Healthcare supported almost 3,000 patients confirmed for treatments, referred from The Lincolnshire Elective Activity Coordination Hub (EACH) operated by Lincolnshire ICB and ULHT. EACH served as a centralised service for referrals to review and validate the entire waiting list. This ongoing collaboration underscores a commitment to continuous improvement, with plans to extend its impact across specialties, setting a precedent for effective healthcare delivery.
Judges’ comments:
DMC Healthcare’s work really streamlined referrals and reduced waiting times overall. It was an excellent entry, and impressed with the collaboration between so many stakeholders. It had nearly 8,000 patients and showed a 58% reduction in waiting, truly impressive. It was a brilliant idea and impressive in what it achieved.
