Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD WELCOMES FUNDING TO SPEED UP DERMATOLOGY TREATMENT

Richard Lochhead MSP for Moray has welcomed a £1.8m investment by the Scottish Government in a new national digital dermatology programme to help speed up treatment and reduce waiting lists. 

Patients will be able to have high quality digital images of their skin concern taken when they visit their GP, and where appropriate, will then be assessed and given a diagnosis by a senior dermatologist without the need to attend an appointment. Patients will then be treated by their GP or directed to a more suitable service.

According to Scottish Government figures, dermatology is one of the biggest outpatient specialities with over 46,000 patients on the waiting list for a first appointment in March this year.

Moray’s SNP MSP has welcomed the investment and hopes local patients will benefit from these digital services.

Commenting Mr Lochhead said:

“As the health service recovers from the impact of the pandemic, it is vital that technology is utilised to ensure that patients are seen as quickly as possible and waiting lists are reduced.

“This £1.8m of funding announced by the Scottish Government will no doubt be welcomed by those who work in the service but also by patients here in Moray. Skin conditions can be incredibly difficult for people to live with and can have a big impact on their quality of life and mental wellbeing. This new innovative approach will undoubtedly lead to better and quicker care and treatment for many patients.”

More information on the Scottish Government announcement can be found here:

https://www.gov.scot/news/funding-to-bring-down-outpatient-waiting-list/