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Lancashire Teaching Hospitals has launched a first-of-its-kind service in the region at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital.
One of the only few across the UK, the service offers Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Plastic Surgery Reconstruction for NHS patients with skin cancer.
Mohs surgery is a ‘highly effective’ way to treat skin cancer, particularly in sensitive areas like the face, nose, and ears. The procedure has a very high cure rate and low chances of the cancer returning.
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The service is provided by a team led by Consultant Plastic Surgeons Mr Sofiane Rimouche and Mr Richard Wain, along with pathologists, nurses, and other specialists.
For patients, this means they can have their cancer treated and reconstructed in one visit, with no need to wait for multiple appointments.
One patient, Kevin Hunter from Tarleton, was able to have his skin cancer removed within three weeks, instead of waiting 18 months.
He said: “I had been told there was a significant waiting list to be seen, but I received a call from Mr Wain and got in at Chorley inside three weeks. I was tested and was lucky, the cancer was removed that day, I received stitches and was on my way.
“The staff were amazing. It takes a lot of the anxiety away. I was really pleased with the outcome.”
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The service has been in the works for about a decade, and patients have given very positive feedback.
It also eliminates the need for referrals to other hospitals like Liverpool, as the service is now available locally.
Richard Wain Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Mohs Surgeon said: “It gives reassurance to patients that their tumour has gone – on the day they are admitted they have a skin cancer, and after the procedure they can go home confirmed cancer-free with an appropriate reconstruction. That’s really great for patients.
“It’s the only NHS Mohs service for Lancashire and South Cumbria, so we are now the regional centre for this type of surgery. We’re also one of very few Mohs units in the country, led by plastic surgeons.”
The service is open to referrals from skin cancer specialists across Lancashire and South Cumbria.
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