NHS Western Isles patients benefiting from national Digital Dermatology Pathway

Patients across NHS Western Isles are now benefiting from an innovative national Digital Dermatology Pathway designed to speed up diagnosis, assessment of skin conditions and reduce waiting times.

This national pathway is being rolled out across NHS Scotland and is now available in all Health Boards, including NHS Western Isles. It is designed to help patients receive the right care, in the right place, and at the right time by using digital technology to support faster referral and triage.

Frances Robertson, NHS Western Isles Nurse/AHP Director & Chief Operating Officer, explains: “This is an exciting step forward for patient care in the Western Isles. Many people referred for Dermatology face long waits, and this pathway helps us make better decisions earlier – ensuring patients get the right care as quickly as possible.”

The images are captured using a secure mobile app (Consultant Connect’s PhotoSAF) and automatically transferred to the patient’s referral via Scottish Care Information (SCI) Gateway, NHS Scotland’s secure referral system. No images or personal data are stored on the device, and the process is fully compliant with national information governance standards.

How it helps:

• urgent cases can be seen more quickly
• some patients may be discharged with advice – no appointment needed
• patients may be referred directly to minor surgery or other specialties
• fewer unnecessary appointments mean shorter waiting times for everyone.

A recent case study from Dumfries and Galloway highlights the pathway’s impact. A patient who had attended their GP several times with a persistent skin rash was referred via the new digital system. Within 48 hours, the Dermatology team reviewed the images and provided tailored treatment advice – avoiding a 40-week outpatient wait.

The Digital Dermatology Pathway is supported by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD) and funded by the Scottish Government through the ANIA programme. It is now live in NHS Western Isles and available across all NHS Boards in Scotland.