Dermatology - Surrey Downs

This provider manages and runs Dermatology Step-up Clinics to provide enough capacity to service all non-two-week-wait dermatology patients. The expected pathway for a given patient would begin with an appointment with the patient's GP.

If the patient's GP believes the further treatment of the patient should be continued at the step-up clinic, GPs may do a referral into the Dermatology Step-up Clinic Service. The dermatology service provider operating within Surrey Downs is delivering a robust, patient-focused model of care that meets all key evaluation criteria satisfactorily.

Through innovative service design, strategic investment, and collaborative working, the provider is achieving meaningful outcomes across quality, value, integration, access, and social impact. The dermatology clinic model developed collaboratively by the Commissioner and Community Providers, has significantly enhanced service delivery.

Led by GP Champions and hosted in community settings, this model improves local access to dermatology expertise and ensures patients are triaged effectively. It also strengthens the clinical capabilities of primary care teams by reducing unnecessary referrals to secondary care.

This results in more timely, appropriate care and a better overall patient experience. Dermatology referrals have shown a consistent year-on-year increase, with a forecast of an 8% growth in dermatology activity.

The Step-Up Clinic approach allows benign and low-risk conditions to be managed locally, freeing up hospital resources for complex cases. This model supports value-based healthcare, reduces secondary care costs, and aligns services with population health priorities. The approximate lifetime value of the contract will be £250,000 over the 2 year term, from 1st April 2024 until 31st March 2026.