About the Role
The GP with an Extended Role (GPwER) in Dermatology will provide expert assessment, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of patients referred to secondary care dermatology services. Working autonomously within agreed competencies, governance frameworks and scope of practice, the post holder will manage a the skin cancer pathway, supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care and ensuring timely access to specialist services.
The role is integral to the delivery of modern dermatology services, acting as a key interface between primary and secondary care. The GPwER will support consultant dermatologists by independently managing appropriate referrals, contributing to the reduction of waiting times, improving patient flow through the service, and ensuring patients receive care in the most appropriate setting from the outset.
Working as part of the multidisciplinary dermatology team, the post holder will undertake specialist outpatient clinics, provide expert clinical advice and guidance, participate in triage processes, and contribute to the management of skin cancers and skin lesion assessment with local and national guidelines. Where appropriately accredited, the post holder may undertake teledermoscopy, skin biopsies and minor surgical procedures within agreed competencies.
The post holder will undertake independent outpatient activity, working within agreed competencies and governance arrangements, and will collaborate closely with consultant dermatologists, specialist nurses, surgical teams and multidisciplinary colleagues to ensure safe, effective and timely patient care.
The post holder will be expected to work flexibly across outpatient, procedural, virtual and multidisciplinary settings, contributing to the delivery of a modern, patient-centred dermatology service that improves access, supports cancer pathways and provides high-quality specialist care closer to patients' needs.
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
The GPwER will play an active role in service development, quality improvement and pathway redesign, supporting the delivery of sustainable dermatology services across the healthcare system. This includes contributing to audit, clinical governance, education and training activities, and working collaboratively with primary care colleagues to develop integrated care pathways that improve patient outcomes and experience.
The post holder will be expected to maintain high standards of clinical practice, demonstrate ongoing professional development, and work closely with consultants, specialist nurses, allied health professionals and administrative teams to deliver safe, effective and efficient dermatology care.
Clinical Responsibilities
Undertake specialist dermatology outpatient clinics for patients referred to secondary care services, assessing, diagnosing and managing a wide range lesions and suspected cancer skin conditions.
Independently manage patients and formulating treatment plans and arranging appropriate follow-up.
Provide expert clinical opinion and advice to referrers and members of the multidisciplinary team.
Ensure patients receive care in the most appropriate setting, supporting pathways that avoid unnecessary consultant appointments while maintaining high standards of clinical governance.
Skin Cancer and Lesion Management
Undertake dedicated Skin Cancer Clinics, assessing patients referred via urgent suspected cancer pathways and providing timely diagnosis, management and onward referral where required.
Deliver Lesion Assessment Clinics, including the evaluation of pigmented and non-pigmented skin lesions using dermoscopy and other recognised diagnostic techniques.
Participate in the assessment and management of patients presenting with suspected melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer and other cutaneous malignancies, escalating cases appropriately in accordance with local and national guidance.
Support delivery of rapid-access skin cancer pathways to ensure achievement of national cancer targets and timely patient treatment.
Referral Triage and Advice & Guidance
Participate in consultant-supported and autonomous referral triage processes.
Review and prioritise referrals to ensure patients are directed appropriately to urgent, routine, surgical or community pathways.
Provide Advice and Guidance to primary care clinicians to support effective patient management and reduce unnecessary referrals.
Contribute to service efficiency through the utilisation of digital pathways and virtual assessment models.
Teledermatology and Teledermoscopy
Participate in Teledermatology and Teledermoscopy Sessions, reviewing clinical images and dermoscopic images submitted through approved digital platforms.
Provide remote assessment, triage and management recommendations in line with agreed service protocols.
Support the development and delivery of digital dermatology services aimed at improving access and reducing waiting times.
Work collaboratively with primary care colleagues to improve the quality and effectiveness of teledermatology referrals.
Minor Operations and Procedural Activity
Undertake Minor Operative Procedure Clinics within agreed competencies and accreditation.
Perform diagnostic and therapeutic skin procedures, including punch biopsies, shave biopsies, curettage and excision of appropriate lesions.
Ensure all procedures are undertaken in accordance with local policies, infection control standards and consent procedures.
Maintain accurate procedural records, audit data and outcome monitoring to support clinical governance requirements.
Multidisciplinary Team Working
Actively participate in Dermatology Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Meetings, contributing to clinical decision-making and treatment planning.
Present and discuss complex cases with consultant colleagues and wider specialist teams.
Work collaboratively with professionals to facilitate safe and effective patient care.
Contribute to integrated working across primary, community and secondary care services.
Service Development and Governance
Support the delivery of waiting-list initiatives, pathway redesign and service improvement programmes.
Participate in clinical audit, quality improvement projects and service evaluation activities.
Contribute to the development of clinical guidelines, standard operating procedures and best-practice pathways.
Maintain high standards of record keeping, clinical governance and patient safety.
Education and Training
Support the education and development of healthcare professionals across primary and secondary care.
Participate in teaching, mentorship and clinical supervision activities where appropriate.
Promote best practice in dermatology assessment, diagnosis and management.
Maintain ongoing professional development and GPwER accreditation requirements.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Please see the below links for useful videos relating to this vacancy:
Hywel Dda 3 Counties - https://youtu.be/RUMDpjtu1sY
Lifestyle in Wales - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgt03XPT6RQ
Medical Leadership in Hywel Dda - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLioZyqIpwk&t=33s