Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has extended his congratulations to all involved in Northern Ireland’s Dermatology Photo Triage Pathway following its recognition at the UK-wide Quality in Care awards. The Pathway allows GP practices across Northern Ireland to capture digital images of suspicious moles or skin irregularities and send them directly to a dermatologist for triage. This specialist technology is also now available through Action Cancer’s ‘Big Bus’ cancer detection service.
Minister Nesbitt highlighted the significance of the recognition, emphasizing that the Pathway brings substantial benefits to both patients and the health service. The new system enables referrals to be triaged within 72 hours, facilitating faster clinical decisions compared to traditional hospital appointments. This reduced wait time is crucial for patients concerned about suspicious skin changes, improving both patient experience and outcomes.
Nesbitt announced that capital funding has been allocated to further enhance the service. The additional funds will replace current equipment with higher specification dermatoscopes, enhancing image quality and supporting better clinical decision-making. He commended those involved in managing and delivering the Pathway, noting it as a prime example of effective collaborative work.
The Photo Triage service has managed over 15,000 referrals since its pilot in 2018. At the 2024 Quality in Care Dermatology Awards, it won in both the Patient Care Pathway – Primary, Secondary, and Community category and the Dermatology Digital and Technology Solutions for the Treatment of Skin Conditions category. Nesbitt concluded by celebrating the Pathway’s national-level recognition as a testament to Northern Ireland’s ability to develop transformative health solutions.
