Our sub regional dermatology service provides care for a population of 1.2 m people spanning County Durham & Darlington & South of Tyne.

Most of our patients are seen in the outpatient departments at one of our main centres Sunderland Royal Hospital or University Hospital of North Durham.

 We also provide outpatient services in Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Darlington, Jarrow, Shotley Bridge and South Tyneside.

If you need more intensive treatment we also provide inpatient beds at University Hospital of North Durham.

Our dedicated team consists of seven experienced dermatology consultants supported by Specialty Doctors and trainees and a team of highly skilled nurses providing diagnosis investigations and treatments for a wide range of dermatological conditions.

These include:

• Skin cancers and premalignant conditions
• Eczema psoriasis acne and other common conditions
• Contact allergies and occupational skin diseases
• Skin disease in childhood in specialist children's clinics
• Rare and complex conditions related to other medical diseases

Treatments provided in the outpatient departments include:

•  Dermatological surgery for skin cancer
•  Cryotherapy - treating pre- malignant lesions with liquid nitrogen
• Phototherapy - UV light for a range of skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema
•  Dermajet treatment for alopecia areata
• Topical treatments for psoriasis and eczema including short-contact dithranol and topical steroid body-suits
• Cosmetic camouflage advice

Joint clinics are held with Plastic Surgeons and Oncologists for advanced skin cancers and with other specialties for complex medical problems involving the skin.

The department's successful management of psoriasis was highlighted on BBC Look North in 2010 by a satisfied patient.

Literature is available in the dermatology department on sun protection and skin cancer prevention dietary advice for allergen avoidance house dust mite avoidance in the environment allergen avoidance for contact dermatitis and a full range of information sheets from the British Association of Dermatologists.

Key Staff Details

• Consultant:   Dr Keith Freeman
• Consultant:   Dr Maneesha Vatve
• Consultant:   Dr Shyamal Wahie
• Clinical Service Manager:   Mark Jones
  Telephone:  0191 333 2329

Service Delivery

• Bishop Auckland Hospital
• Darlington Memorial Hospital
• Palmer Community Hospital
• Richardson Hospital
• Shotley Bridge Community Hospital
• South Tyneside District Hospital
• Sunderland Royal Hospital
• University Hospital of North Durham