Important information for dermatology patients

From Autumn 2026, we are changing the way Dermatology services are delivered to improve access to specialist expertise and enable us to care for more patients.

Dermatology services will operate through a new Hub and Spoke model. Poole Hospital will become the main Dermatology Hub, providing specialist secondary care services, including biologic treatments for psoriasis, eczema etc and complex surgery. Christchurch Hospital and St Mary's Hospital (opposite Poole Hospital) will continue to provide a range of services as Spoke sites, ensuring patients can continue to access care closer to home where appropriate.

By bringing our specialist Dermatology teams from Poole and Christchurch together, we will be able to offer more appointments, reduce waiting times and improve access to urgent skin cancer services.

Appointments will be offered at the location that best meets your clinical needs.

These changes will help ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time, from the clinician best suited to their needs. Our priority is to provide safe, high-quality care while improving the experience and outcomes for all our patients.

The changes will take effect in Autumn 2026.

Dermatology services will be provided at the following locations:

• Poole Hospital will provide complex and Mohs surgery, specialist procedures and clinics including medical dermatology, patch testing, paediatric dermatology and skin cancer appointments.

• Christchurch Hospital will provide a range of services, including paediatric dermatology, fast-track cancer appointments, skin cancer follow-up clinics, minor surgical procedures, phototherapy, and wound care clinics.

• St Mary’s Hospital will offer a limited number of clinics, including fast-track cancer appointments, skin cancer follow-up, and one-stop surgery services.

All sites will continue to provide Consultant oversight and appointments will be offered at the most appropriate location based on your care needs.

• Royal Bournemouth Hospital will provide in-patient urgent dermatology reviews with a twice weekly ward round.

It will help improve consistency of care, support closer collaboration between specialist teams, and make the best use of clinical resources while maintaining high-quality services for patients.

All your appointments will be at the location that best suits your care needs. If you require multiple appointments, this will be discussed with you at your first appointment.

If the location of your appointment changes, we will contact you with the updated details. If we have your mobile number, we will send you a text message. Otherwise, we will notify you by letter.

Please check your appointment letter carefully before attending to make sure you have the correct details.

Yes. You will continue to be cared for by the University Hospitals Dorset Dermatology Team. Your records, treatment plan and ongoing care will remain with the same service regardless of where your appointment takes place.

There is expected to be minimal disruption during the move. The plan is to manage changes carefully so services continue as smoothly as possible. If your appointment is affected, you will be contacted directly with details.

Overall, the priority is to maintain safe, high-quality care and ensure continuity of treatment throughout the transition.

Yes. You will continue to receive care from the University Hospitals Dorset Dermatology Team.

These changes are designed to strengthen teamwork, improve coordination between clinicians, and support more consistent care across the service.

The new service model will increase appointment availability across Dermatology services, including urgent skin cancer pathways. This will improve access to appointments and help reduce waiting times.

Yes. Dermatology services will continue to be provided at Christchurch Hospital.

While some clinics and specialist services will move to Poole Hospital, Christchurch Hospital will continue to provide a range of Dermatology services, including cancer fast-track appointments, skin cancer follow-up care, minor procedures, paediatrics, phototherapy and wound management clinics.

Appointments will be offered at the location that best meets your clinical needs and where the required service is available.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the changes to the dermatology service, please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

A drop-in information event for patients is being held at Christchurch Hospital in the Dermatology Unit on 28 July from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Dermatology patients can come along and speak to the team about the changes.

If you would like to attend, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name and contact details. Tea and coffee will be available.

For travel information about how to get to any of our sites, please visit www.uhd.nhs.uk/visit. Here you will find directions, public transport information and maps of the hospital sites.

Parking is available at all hospital sites. For details about where to park, please visit www.uhd.nhs.uk/visit/parking.

Please note: As St Mary’s Hospital is across the road from Poole Hospital, the same car parks are used for St Mary’s and Poole Hospital