NHS Barnsley CCG : Consultant Led Teledermatology Service- Primary Care Initiated Referrals

The service aims to facilitate diagnosis and treatment plans for patients using technology, remote advice and guidance to allow patients to be treated in Primary Care where appropriate and to reassure patients regarding benign diagnosis. Referrals identified as appropriate for the suspected cancer 2 week wait pathway are directly referred to Barnsley Hospital by the current provider. This has been particularly important during the current pandemic reducing the need for a potential appointment at the hospital. All referrals to the teledermatolgy service are dealt with by Consultant Dermatology level staff. The Consultant Led Teledermatology pilot commenced in June 2019 and was for initial duration of 10 months ending 31 March 2020. The pilot was extended until 31st July 2020 to allow further time to effectively evaluate the pilot’s impact. On 22 July 2020 in the middle of the first period of the pandemic it was agreed, subject to the issue of a VEAT notice, to extend the service to the current provider for a term of a further 17 months (to 31.12.2021) rather than run a competitive tender process. In deciding on this course of action NHS Barnsley CCG was mindful that continuity of service was of paramount consideration, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic situation, during which period the service needed to continue without interruption, as not doing this could cause hidden harms for patients. The initial pilot contract value was £41,667.