Healthy North Coast is seeking feedback from GPs via a short survey to better understand their needs around improving local communities’ access to skin cancer care.
The survey, which takes about five minutes to complete, is open until Friday 13 January 2023. It explores what existing services are used, what barriers to patient care are present and what training is needed to upskill the workforce. You can complete the survey here.
Skin cancer is the most common, most costly and one of the most preventable cancers in the country. The NSW North Coast has one of the highest rates of skin cancer, including melanoma, in the world. With GPs diagnosing most skin cancers, it is critically important they have access to the training and support they need to deliver this vital primary care service.
Dr Elizabeth Hicks, GP at First Light Healthcare in Ballina, Medical Educator at Healthy North Coast and Practice Manager at Summerland Skin Cancer Clinic in East Lismore, is aware of the need to expand access to high quality diagnostic and management options for patients.
‘Improving access to care for our patients begins with first understanding what services are out there, where the gaps are and how we can plug those gaps through further training and support for GPs who already work in this space, as well as those looking to increase this area of their practise,’ Dr Hicks said.
‘With some patients waiting months for a skin check appointment, increasing access to care is really important and this survey will help Healthy North Coast to better understand these needs.’