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<p>Following the 2021 Spending Review, we are increasing the number training posts
in dermatology in England <del class="ministerial">to</del> <ins class="ministerial">by
</ins>15, with doctors in postgraduate training in post from August 2022. The National
Health Service is also ensuring that patients can access specialist care through dermatology
outpatient services. This focuses on a personalised approach for patients waiting
for outpatient appointments, improving waiting times and offering choice for patients
at the point of referral. Pharmacies can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter
medicines for many skin conditions and where appropriate pharmacists can advise the
patient to consult a general practitioner (GP), nurse or other healthcare professional.</p><p>
</p><p>Many dermatology departments in England now offer a rapid access Teledermatology
Advice and Guidance service for GPs to seek advice from a specialist prior to a referral
being made. The use of technology, such as digital images, reduces unnecessary face-to-face
appointments and provides flexibility for patients when booking outpatient appointments.</p><p>
</p><p>A Teledermatology Roadmap for 2020-21 v1.0 provides recommendations on optimising
teledermatology triage and specialist advice, including establishing a working group
of multidisciplinary clinical leads and other stakeholders. A copy of the Roadmap
is attached. The two-week wait skin cancer pathway: innovative approaches to support
early diagnosis of skin cancer as part of the NHS COVID-19 recovery plan also includes
a new virtual pathway using teledermatology. A copy of the guidance for the skin cancer
pathway is attached.</p>
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