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The event organised by Leigh Smith as Chair of Skin Cancer Campaign Scotland and Melanoma Action Group and Chaired by Helen Eadie MSP, was held on the afternoon and evening of 25th November 2009.
The aim was to identify the key issues and priorities that required to be addressed when managing skin cancer within Scotland .
The afternoon session was led with a presentation from Junior Health Minister Shona Robison who highlighted the growing incidence of Melanoma and other skin cancers and how some of the issues in relation to this were being addressed. She congratulated the work that had been achieved by Kenneth MacIntosh MSP on the sunbed bill as ‘leading the way’ in the UK and made reference to the numbers of employees within Parliament that day who had made use of the mole watch service. This was carried out by Consultant Dermatologists Dr Douglas and Dr Evans with nurses Sheila Robertson , Barbara Page and Amanda De Gabrielle in attendance for support.
Kenneth MacIntosh followed by discussing what was hoped to be achieved by the sun bed bill and some of the potential controversies and challenges experienced while to enforcing it. Good examples of health bills introduced in the past are non smoking in public places and the reduction in smoking related illnesses.
Presentations on incidence and prevalence of Melanoma and predicted rise in population trends in relation to gender and age were highlighted by Dr Val Doherty. Diagnosis and treatment demands on skin cancer services including new initiatives such as triaging using photographs of lesions by Dr Girish Gupta (spelling).
Two poignant presentations were delivered by patients experiencing a diagnosis and treatment of Melanoma. A video of Gemma Waddell’s discussions with High School students and patient and his wife gave their frank and articulate account of their experiences through their skin cancer pathway.
Prof Ferguson outlined the problem of sun induced cancers and the increased demands on the Skin Cancer services. Dr Douglas gave an overview of an open access referral system for patients with benign lesions who were reassured and discharged quickly enabling patients with malignant lesions to be treated timeously.
The need for Health promotion was highlighted in a presentation by Sheena Dryden (Clinical Nurse Specialist-Skin Cancers) identifying how the “Keep yer shirt On” programme could link in as part of the educational strategy - Curriculum for Excellence.
The sessions allowed a forum for questions and discussions which could be taken forward when identifying the future for Skin Cancer Services within Scotland .
Sheena Dryden
Clinic Nurse Specialist- Skin Cancers
Lothian, Fife and the Borders |
Caroline Riddoch, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner in Elgin,was awarded the Barbara Page Dermatology Nurse of the Year Award for her outstanding dedication, work and time given to the service and patients