We are pleased to advise that we will be offering a minor surgery service at the Practice from the end of the year.
This service is intended to assess, treat and manage minor skin and soft tissue conditions that can be safely managed outside hospital. This helps reduce hospital referrals as well as improving patient access to treatment closer to home.
Things we can treat include:
· Skin tags
· Cysts
· Abscesses (best if treated quickly)
· Benign skin lesions – 4cm and less in size
· Lipomas
· Joint and soft tissue injections for pain and mobility
All procedures will be carried out under local anaesthetic by Dr. Mark McNair who has surgical experience and minor surgical skill certification.
Patients will initially need to see a G.P. (not necessarily Dr. McNair) to discuss their problem and check if it’s suitable for this service and if appropriate, a booking will then be made at the minor surgery clinic with Dr. McNair.
At that appointment Dr. McNair will explain the procedure, answer any questions, and ask for consent before treatment and he will advise on wound care and follow-up arrangements.
Some removed tissue may be sent for laboratory (histology) testing.
The benefits of this service are:
· Quick and convenient access to treatment
· Familiar surroundings and staff
· Avoidance of unnecessary hospital visits
· High standards of safety and infection control
Please note that not all skin lesions can be removed under the NHS. Only lesions that are clinically necessary to remove (for example, those causing pain, discomfort, or diagnostic uncertainty) are eligible. Cosmetic removals are not funded by the NHS.
We would also like to encourage eligible patients to have a flu vaccination whilst we still have stock – especially as the flu ‘season’ ramps up.
My colleagues at the surgery all join me in wishing our patients a happy Christmas and New Year.
Dr. Adam Smith