Skin Cancer Service
We aim to offer a supportive and continuing link through all areas of your dermatology care.
The Skin Cancer Community Nursing Specialist has undertaken further studies to develop specialist knowledge. They have a practical nursing background within dermatology and cancer services. They will have been identified as your support and contact personnel or Key Worker.
Take the Skin Cancer Specialist Service patient survey >
Who we are
The skin cancer community nursing specialists work within a team of consultant dermatologists.
We are also part of a much larger team of many different disciplines and professionals known as the multidisciplinary team (MDT) who work within the Humber and North Yorkshire Strategic Clinical Network (Cancer). These include plastic surgeons, histopathologists, maxillofacial surgeons, oncology consultants, ophthalmology consultants, local GPs and clinic and reception staff.
We aim to combine our skills and expertise in order to provide the best care and treatment for you.
What is the Holistic Needs Assessment and how will it affect my care?
A Holistic Needs Assessment is a discussion with a member of your Health Care Team about your all aspects of your needs. This includes any problems with your treatment, any symptoms you may have, anything which is worrying or upsetting you and any support or information you may need.
The assessment is your opportunity to let the Health Care Team know about any problems or concerns. It can be carried out by anyone in the Health Care Team, but it will usually be your key worker. If your needs change or you have another question to ask, please let us know and we can repeat the Holistic Needs Assessment process, to ensure your needs are met. You don’t need to wait for the Holistic Needs Assessment, please ask us any questions you may have.
A Holistic Needs Assessment will be offered to all patients and consent will be obtained before this is undertaken, the Health Care professional will arrange an appointment with you if you are happy to proceed with the Holistic Needs Assessment.
The aim of the questions is to find practical solutions to any needs you may have. The plan may include a referral to another service, information on benefits or support services or some ideas for you to consider. Agreed actions and a summary of the discussion will be shared with you and kept securely on your NHS Record. If we do need to refer you to another service to best meet your needs, this will be discussed with you and consent obtained to share your information.
What we can offer you
We appreciate what a difficult and confusing time this can be for you and your family. We aim to offer a supportive and continuing link through all areas of your dermatology care. This includes:
- Helping you and your family understand the treatment and care you will receive
- Helping you make decisions about your care
- Answering any questions you might have
- Helping you talk through the things you feel are important to you
How will it help?
We aim to help reduce the worry by:
- Taking the time to listen to you and your family
- Supporting you and your family
- Answering your questions knowledgeably
It can make things less worrying when you talk to someone who has the time to listen, the experience to answer your, and your families, questions and the ability to support you and your family.