Skin Care Campaign Speaks Out To MPs Against A Severely Compromised Health Service Provision For Skin Diseases, UK

Main Category: Dermatology
Article Date: 23 Oct 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Andrew Langford, Chief Executive at Skin Care Campaign is calling for major developments to NHS dermatology services. Addressing the All Party Parliamentary Group on Skin (APPGS) in the House of Commons this evening, Mr. Langford recommended rigorous improvements including the need for common skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis to be added to the Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) incentivising health professionals to take such diseases more seriously. These recommendations aim to address the ongoing struggle to achieve appropriate and effective treatment for people with skin conditions.

As much as one quarter of the UK population suffers from a skin condition and the impact of such diseases can be as severe as other chronic conditions such as asthma, angina or arthritis.

"For years, people with skin diseases have been overlooked by the NHS. Health professionals receive very minimal training in this area and as such patients are receiving a very low standard of care. There is a great need for health service provision to take a more holistic view in the treatment of patients. Changes in secondary care access including the introduction of referral management schemes pose a significant threat to patient interest," comments Andrew Langford.

He adds, "We are now campaigning heavily to increase education among all groups to achieve a Gold Standard service, ensuring the correct treatment pathway for affected individuals and ultimately raise awareness of the physical and psychological impact of living with a skin condition."

The Skin Care Campaign is the umbrella organisation representing the interests of all people with skin diseases in the UK. Established in 1992 it is a registered charity working towards the improvement of health care for people with skin diseases; educating and informing the public and others about skin diseases and their treatment; and supporting other organisations to pursue these objectives. It hosts a website, www.skincarecampaign.org, which provides information on all national patient support groups for skin diseases. It campaigns to government, both directly and working with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Skin, to obtain improvements in dermatology services. It works with health professionals and the public to increase peoples' awareness and understanding of skin disease and their prevention and treatment.

http://www.skincarecampaign.org/

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