"Is the Trust able to fund whole-body dermatology checks for patients concerned about their skin and cancer? I've been for specific lumps and had some removed but have many others I can't see on my trunk and back. Having spoken to lots of friends our age, they all would welcome such a service. Single people particularly don't have anyone to check their backs. It would save individual visits to GP's and referrals on. Also, information about remaining types of lumps and growths could be explained. Elderly people would value this. The skin programmes on TV are fascinating and factually good. I know money is tight! Patients might be happy to pay towards the cost."
Response from Chief Medical Officer, Jane Mcnicholas:
UHMB offers a mole mapping service for patients who are determined to be a higher risk for melanoma according to dermatology risk stratification guidance.
It is not proven as a screening tool, and there are no recommendations nationally that this should be offered at population level.
Dermatology referrals to the Trust have seen more than a 20% increase in the last 5 years ( from 8750 to 11000) and demand far outstrips capacity so there is a huge amount of work ongoing to develop the service and improve and maintain our performance in that area, but this is not something that we are planning to develop.
There are private providers on the high street and in private healthcare who offer this service to those who are worried but do not meet the high-risk criteria.
With the introduction and further development of AI tools, this position may change in the future, but at the present time, it is not on offer to the general population.
"I would like to see the costs of the enquiry by Ibex Gale into the two suspended governors. I was informed that this would appear in the Annual Report however, I have been unable to find it. I would be grateful if this information could be highlighted."
Response:
The cost of the enquiry is detailed on page 92 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24 under "Consultancy Services Expenditure".
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust is holding our Annual Members’ Meeting on Monday September 16 2024, between 2pm and 4:30pm.
It will be held at the Education Centre, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, in Lancaster.
Everybody is welcome to attend our Annual Members’ Meeting. From 2pm we will be holding a ‘market place’ of hospital services joined by local third sector organisations. At the meeting, you will have the opportunity to hear about our progress and achievements, as well as ask questions of our Chief Executive, Chair, and Head Governor.
To submit a question in advance, please email companysecretary.office@mbht.nhs.uk
Lead Governor, Suzie Hayman, said: “Come and find out what is offered. We are keen to hear and act upon suggestions, complaints and compliments - find out more about becoming a governor yourself, to be able to have even more of a voice.”
Lorraine Crossley-Close, Deputy Lead Governor, said: “The AMM is always a highlight of the UHMBT calendar as we take the time to recognise and celebrate the excellent work that our colleagues and partners have done over the past year. It’s also a chance for Governors to meet with our members and local communities directly and get valuable feedback which is crucial for improving our services.”