Service

Minor Surgery undertaken by an Associate Specialist - Swanage Hospital

What does it do?

Swanage Hospital offers surgical removal of most skin cancers by a qualified member of Poole Hospital's skin cancer service.  Benign moles are also removed or biopsied to check if they are turning cancerous.  These operations are usually carried out under local anaesthetic.

Service Delivery Area

Swanage Community Hospital

What are the service opening times?

Surgery takes place on a Thursday morning once a month.

How can I refer?
[For appropriate professional/clinical referrers only - service users please see below]

Referral should be made to surgical outpatients at Swanage Hospital where the patient will be seen and then listed for surgery after a pre-operative assessment is undertaken to ensure fitness for surgery at Swanage.

What functions/treatment and therapies are offered?

Surgical removal or biopsy of moles and skin cancers are performed, usually under local anaesthetic.  Ingrowing toenail operations are also performed.

Which types of illness/medical condition does the service treat?

Swanage Hospital treats skin cancers such as rodend ulcers (basal cell cancers) and squamous cell cancers.  Other benign lesions can be removed or biopsied to exclude malignant change e.g. Bowen's Disease, actinic keratosis, keratoacanthoma and senile keratosis.

Ingrowing toenails can be treated by either permanent ablation/removal of the nail or by a more limited operation to treat the side of the nail affected.

Who will I see?

Miss Karlowski

As a patient, how do I access services?

Your GP or Dermatologist can refer you to this service.

How can I get involved / what support groups are available?
Do you have information for Carers?

An information booklet is available from the Day Surgery Unit.

Where, when and how often are the clinics?

The surgery is performed at Swanage Hospital on one Thursday morning per month.

Who can I contact to find out more?
  • Day Surgery Unit - 01929 475008
  • Admin Office - 01929 475047