Health Boards
Thu-17-05-2012, 12:50 PM
A new purpose-built dermatology unit has opened at the Royal United Hospital to enable more patients with skin conditions to be treated.
The new unit houses clinics run both by consultants and nurses, as well as a day treatment service.
Staff treat 30 to 40 patients a day for conditions including psoriasis, skin cancer and leg ulcers.
The new facilities have replaced the Kinghorn Dermatology Unit, which was set up in an existing part of the hospital with a bequest from Sheila Kinghorn, in 1994.
Jess Ball, from Whiteway, has been treated at the hospital for six years for rheumatoid arthritis and an auto immune skin condition.
She said: "When I first came to the unit, my leg was badly ulcerated and if the staff had not intervened when they did, I would have lost my leg.
"The knowledge that they have is incredible and I feel very supported.
"There have been times when I don't know how I would have managed without their skill and care, and their wonderful sense of humour.
"The staff deserve this lovely new unit. It feels very light and spacious and welcoming, and patients and staff are sure to benefit from it."
Senior sister Jacky Strange said: "This is the first time dermatology has been in a purpose-built unit in the RUH. We had outgrown the Kinghorn unit.
"We'll continue to provide a high standard of care to our patients, but now we can do that in a light and spacious environment, that offers greater confidentiality.
"And having the extra space will allow us to expand and treat a greater number of patients."
The new unit houses clinics run both by consultants and nurses, as well as a day treatment service.
Staff treat 30 to 40 patients a day for conditions including psoriasis, skin cancer and leg ulcers.
The new facilities have replaced the Kinghorn Dermatology Unit, which was set up in an existing part of the hospital with a bequest from Sheila Kinghorn, in 1994.
Jess Ball, from Whiteway, has been treated at the hospital for six years for rheumatoid arthritis and an auto immune skin condition.
She said: "When I first came to the unit, my leg was badly ulcerated and if the staff had not intervened when they did, I would have lost my leg.
"The knowledge that they have is incredible and I feel very supported.
"There have been times when I don't know how I would have managed without their skill and care, and their wonderful sense of humour.
"The staff deserve this lovely new unit. It feels very light and spacious and welcoming, and patients and staff are sure to benefit from it."
Senior sister Jacky Strange said: "This is the first time dermatology has been in a purpose-built unit in the RUH. We had outgrown the Kinghorn unit.
"We'll continue to provide a high standard of care to our patients, but now we can do that in a light and spacious environment, that offers greater confidentiality.
"And having the extra space will allow us to expand and treat a greater number of patients."
