WINNER

Establishing a National Psychodermatology Virtual Monthly Multidisciplinary Team Meeting

by Barts Health NHS Trust

The significant psychological impact of skin disease and the need for dedicated psychodermatology services is well recognised. Despite this, psychodermatology provision across the United Kingdom (UK) is insufficient, with geographical variation and long waiting lists. Doctors from across the UK are unable to access specialist psychodermatology care with patients waiting >18months. Delays in patient care lead to increased patient distress, worsening psychosis, risk of disengagement, and poorer overall prognosis as illness goes untreated. Establishing a national level multidisciplinary team meeting was therefore a priority to be able to support clinicians managing psychodermatology patients without support in their own region.

Judges’ comments:

“This entry from Barts Health NHS Trust is a fantastic demonstration of teamwork, with a strong support network. It assists a fantastic cause and a fabulous way of individuals coming together. Genuinely helps the clinician support the patient.”

COMMENDED

Nurse-Led Genital Dermatology Clinic

by Belfast Health & Social Care Trust

Vulval dermatology conditions can be painful, laboursome and life-impacting for patients affected. Many patients suffer in silence and have never been asked if their skin condition involves the genitals. Within the Belfast Trust, a new nurse-led clinic has offered women a dedicated space and time to assess, treat and review their vulval dermatology conditions and the associated pscycological impact of living with such conditions.

Judges’ comments:

“The Nurse-Led Genital Dermatology Clinic is a valuable service. It will inspire other people within the dermatology arena. It had good psychological impact and gave the advantage of more time, enhancing the understanding of conditions and improving compliance. “