Virgin Care Takes Over Dermatology Services in North East Lincolnshire

Important information for people using dermatology services in the Grimsby area.

As of Saturday 1st April 2017, Virgin Care are taking over the dermatology services for North East Lincolnshire. As reported in the Grimsby Telegraph, this means that dermatology patients in North East Lincolnshire will no longer be treated by doctors and nurses employed by the NHS, but by doctors and nurses employed by Virgin Care. This care will still be funded by the NHS.

Patients who have been receiving dermatology care at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital will now be treated at Cromwell Road Primary Care Centre in Grimsby by Virgin Care medical staff. It should be made clear that patients will still be treated and supported by a fully trained clinical team, including Consultants, GPs, specialist doctors, nurses and health care assistants.

In light of this news, the Psoriasis Association contacted the North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) directly to establish whether or not the full complement of dermatology services, including UV light therapy and systemic treatments, would still be offered to patients who are living with long term conditions such as psoriasis. It was confirmed to us that these treatments will continue to be offered to patients in North East Lincolnshire as they have been in North Lincolnshire, where Virgin Care have operated dermatology services since 2012.

Additionally, under Virgin Care, there are plans for the Community Dermatology services in North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire to work closer together to "reduce waiting times and make use of new technology to cut down on unnecessary trips". According to the Grimsby Telegraph, Virgin Care will aim to see patients within four weeks for their first appointment and offer appointments at evenings and weekends too.

Patients who are against the plans are advised to enquire about opting out, with referral to another service by their GP the alternative option.

The Psoriasis Association is keen to ensure that people with psoriasis in the North East Lincolnshire area are aware of these changes to local dermatology services. If you have been affected by these changes or would like more information, you can contact North East Lincolnshire CCG directly, either by phone on 0300 3000 400, or by email at nelccg.askus@nhs.net.