Audit of a Services to Improve Access project to improve access for skin cancer surgery

Abstract

ABSTRACT Like many general practices in low decile communities with a high percentage of elderly patients, the Paeroa Medical Centre was relying heavily on secondary care to provide skin cancer surgical services, which led to delays in treatment and under-utilisation of the skills available in primary care. A new system utilising Services to Improve Access (SIA) funding was developed to provide partially funded skin cancer surgery within primary care. A 6-month period of this work by one general practitioner (GP) was audited. This has demonstrated that the majority of minor dermatological surgery can be successfully managed in primary care, with more timely and convenient treatment and substantial cost savings to the health system.