Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases, a unique and extensive specialty with both medical and surgical aspects. A dermatologist takes care of diseases, in the widest sense, including problems of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails.
A full range of skin disorders are treated by our experienced Dermatology team, including the diagnosis and initial treatment of more serious skin conditions.
We offer an outpatient service with clinics or theatre sessions running on Monday – Friday across sites at both Leighton and Victoria Infirmary in Northwich. In addition, we have outreach services at Ashfield’s Primary Care Centre and Nantwich Health Centre.
Minor operations are undertaken by Consultants and surgically trained specialist nursing staff. A range of diagnostic, treatment and therapy services are provided by Dermatology Consultants, Doctors, Specialist Nurses and Technicians including patch testing, phototherapy, mole mapping and biologics clinics.
If you have a query about a new appointment, please contact the appointments call centre on 01270 612200.
East Cheshire dermatology service transfers to Mid Cheshire Hospitals
On 1 June 2021 the East Cheshire Dermatology service transferred from Vernova Healthcare to Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The service was transferred to the Trust as host of the Cheshire East Integrated Care Partnership, an alliance of health and care service providers (including Vernova) who work together to deliver care by agreeing to collaborate rather than compete.
What has changed?
The service has transferred as a straightforward ‘lift and shift’. This means that the same staff are providing the same services from the same locations (based at Waters Green Medical Centre in Macclesfield).
Contact telephone numbers also remain the same, however the service’s email addresses have been updated:
The East Cheshire dermatology booking team can be contacted on 01625 813003 or by emailing ECdermatologybookings@mcht.nhs.uk
Satellite Outpatients Department
Leighton Hospital
Middlewich Road
Crewe
CW1 4QJ
Please enter the hospital via the Middlewich Road entrance and turn right. The building sits opposite the Treatment Centre. Alternatively Follow signs for car park E.
Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Contact us
Telephone
01270 612384
These handy ‘How-to’ videos will offer a range of useful tips for using your treatments effectively.
Nurse Led Services
There are several nurse-led clinics within the department. These include weekly clinics for patients receiving specialist treatment for viral warts and acne, a clinic for patients with psoriasis and eczema, and several other specialist clinics.
Vulval Skin Clinic
Our doctors are experts in dealing with disorders of the vulva (the outer skin of the vagina), and can co-ordinate with dermatologists, gynaecologists, pathologists and genito-urinary physicians.
Community Dermatology
This initiative, part of the Right Care, Right Here scheme, aims to provide specialist care closer to home. It enables diagnosis, treatment and care to take place at GP practices and health centres in local communities (Nantwich, Sandbach, Northwich).
Mole map service
A digital imaging service is offered to existing patients who require close monitoring of multiple moles.
Skin Cancer Service
Most types of skin cancer can be treated if detected early enough. Our department operates regular skin cancer screening clinics with just a two-week wait. Patients can also be referred to consultant radiotherapists (specialists in radiation treatment) or oncologists (specialist cancer doctors). We can also refer to plastic surgeons if necessary.Patients are supported by a specialist skin cancer nurse from the Macmillan Trust, who provides a focal point for patients, their relatives and carers. She ensures that patient support is available from the very first consultation onwards.
Paediatric Dermatology
Clinics for children with skin disorders are held at the Outpatient Satellite Unit . We work closely with the paediatric unit at MCHFT.
Cutaneous Allergy Service
We provide a service for patients with suspected contact dermatitis (a delayed skin response which may include redness, raised, blistering of the skin) – usually caused by contact with occupational or environmental factors: for example chemicals in metals, rubber, leather, lanolin, fragrance). Patch testing involves applying a series of dilute allergens on special tapes to the patient's back. The reactions take 48 to 96 hours to develop. The patches are removed at 48 hours and the back marked. At 96 hours the area of the back is reviewed again and any results noted. Fifty or more allergens are usually tested.
What is phototherapy?
Phototherapy is the use of light to treat medical conditions. Natural sunlight has been known to be beneficial in certain skin disorders for many years. The ultraviolet part of the radiation produced by the sun is used in phototherapy, in particular ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) wavelengths.
Patients can be treated with a small part of the UVB spectrum (TLO1) or UVA spectrum in combination with a sensitiser (a chemical that increases the effect of UVA on the skin) called psoralen. This treatment is known as PUVA – Psoralen with UVA. PUVA is a more potent form of treatment, so is usually reserved for people who do not respond to UVB.
Opening times
Leighton Hospital: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7.15am - 7.30pm. Tuesday and Thursday 8.15am -12.30pm
Victoria Infirmary, Northwich Monday and Friday 8.00am - 12.30pm. Wednesday 2.15pm - 5.30pm
Contact details
Leighton Hospital:01270 273725
Victoria Infirmary, Northwich:01606 564079
