As many of you may be aware I recently resigned as a partner of Terrigal Medical Centre. From July Mediskin Clinic will be renamed Skin Integrity and I will be responsible for running the business. It will operate exclusively as a Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Medicine Clinic.

I wish to offer a premium Skin Cancer service and will be expanding the range of services available. Total Body Photography has been proven to be an invaluable tool in the early detection of melanoma in high risk individuals. I will installing a high quality photography studio to offer this service to new and existing patients. I have also recently invested in equipment to perform a procedure known as Photdynamic Therapy. Photodynamic Therapy is a light based treatment used to eliminate certain precancerous spots and superficial skin cancers. It gives excellent cosmetic results and is considered the gold standard treatment for skin cancers in certain circumstances. This system complements the array of treatment options I already offer to ensure each patient is given the optimum treatment for their particular condition. I will also be setting up a dedicated Operating Theatre with modern sterilising and surgical equipment. We are also hoping to offer twilight sedation and will be able to perform more complex surgical procedures onsite than is currently possible. We will continue to use digital monitoring of suspicious moles but with higher resolution cameras and monitors.

I will be employing Registered Nurses and investing in their ongoing education in Skin Cancer Medicine. They will be able to assist me in offering the highest standard of care. I have completed a Masters Degree in Primary Care Skin Cancer Medicine and I am hoping to continue my education by undertaking Diplomas and Degrees with the University of Graz in Austria. The Skin Cancer training available at this facility is highly regarded internationally.

New computers and software will be installed to streamline the appointment process. SMS and email reminders will be available for appointments and follow up. We are hopeful of reducing waiting times for appointments and improving access to care. We will also be liasing more closely with your usual GP to ensure they are informed of significant findings.

The aim of Skin Integrity is to offer the highest quality Primary Care Skin Cancer service possible. Service and treatments will be personalised and optimised for each individual. As you can imagine, the costs involved in setting up and running a premium service of this nature are considerable. Unfortunately the Medicare rebate from the Government is insufficient to subsidise this level of service and facilities. As a result, there will be a modest increase in fees for skin checks and procedures performed in the Operating Theatre.  Discounts are available for Pensioners and Children under 16 but bulk billing will generally be unavailable. I understand that some individuals suffer genuine financial hardship and I am always happy to discuss individual circumstances to ensure patients are not denied access to care.

Skin Integrity will offer a more comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment services than any other Primary Care Skin Cancer facility on the Central Coast.