NHS Sussex to Transform Dermatology Services, Improving Access, Digital Care, and Patient Experience
NHS Sussex is set to revolutionise dermatology services across the county, making care easier to access, more consistent, and better coordinated for patients with skin conditions. The initiative will help thousands of people living with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, moles, and skin cancer, while ensuring faster, more streamlined care for all.
The programme, aligned with the NHS Long Term Plan and the NHS Sussex Improving Lives Together strategy, will bring dermatology services closer to home. By focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and digital innovation, patients will benefit from a seamless care experience that is both efficient and equitable across Sussex.
A new Sussex-wide model of care will introduce a single point of access for referrals, making it easier for patients to be seen promptly and for healthcare teams to coordinate treatment. Key improvements include:
- Reduced waiting times and quicker diagnosesfor common and complex skin conditions
- Enhanced collaboration between GPs, community teams, and hospital specialists
- Advanced use of digital tools, includingtele dermatology and AI-assisted skin assessments to support clinical decision-making
- More equitable access, ensuring high-quality care for all residents, regardless of location
The plans also support NHS ambitions to maximise the benefits of digital healthcare innovations. Patients will be able to access more services via the NHS App, including appointment management and remote consultations, giving them greater control over their care.
Andy Jones, Deputy Director of Commissioning & Transformation – Planned Care at NHS Sussex, said:
“This initiative is about creating a sustainable and consistent dermatology service that delivers better outcomes for patients across Sussex. By streamlining referrals, integrating community and hospital care, and using innovative digital tools, we can ensure more people are seen and treated more quickly.”
Georgina Hawes, NHS Sussex Community Ambassador, added:
“Many people know how stressful it can be to wait for specialist skin care. It’s reassuring to see NHS Sussex focusing on care closer to home, using technology effectively, and listening to patients to shape improvements.”
To ensure local voices guide these changes, NHS Sussex is inviting residents to share their experiences via a short online survey. The survey, open until Friday 28 November, focuses on dermatology services outside hospitals, including GP practices and community clinics. Feedback will directly influence future service design to meet the needs of local communities.
This transformation is part of NHS Sussex’s broader commitment to high-quality, accessible, and sustainable healthcare. Dermatology is one of several specialties being redesigned to bring care closer to patients’ homes, reduce waiting times, and leverage digital and AI technologies across the local NHS.
