Thompson calls for more GP dermatology training
A call has gone out from a Highland MSP for compulsory dermatological training to be included in specialist training for Scottish GPs.
Dave Thompson, the member for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch - and convener of the Scottish Parliament cross party group on Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis -delivered the keynote speech at the Scottish Dermatological Nursing Society (SDNS) Conference in Perth on Thursday (8).
Mr Thompson said: “Each year more than 1 million people in Scotland consult their GP about a skin disease - that’s almost one quarter of GP consultations and a startling one in four of the population is affected by a skin disorder that would benefit from medical care.
“I acknowledge here the great work that the SDNS does for sufferers of skin disease.”
He noted that concerns had been widely raised that the level of GP dermatological training was not commensurate with the prevalence and consequences of skin diseases in the country.
But an opportunity to correct that had emerged, with the current recommendation from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) that GP specialist training should be increased to five years.
“I have already been involved in pressing for better dermatological training for GPs. Now, in the form of the RCGP’s recommendations, we have a chance to enhance a GPs training by adding knowledge and practice of dermatology to their skills set and without any disruption to their training.”
He went on, “I believe this is the perfect opportunity to make training in dermatology for GPs compulsory and I intend to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Well Being, Alex Neil, the RCGP, the Westminster All Party Group on skin and the UK Health Minister to ask that they support my view that training in dermatology for GPs should be compulsory.”
The Chair of SDNS, Polly Buchanan, who was also speaking at the SDNS Conference agreed.
“I welcome and support compulsory dermatology training for GPs” she said. “I believe the benefits to patients would be profound.
“A GP’s knowledge and skills will be enhanced which will in turn develop knowledge and services in primary and secondary care.
“Ultimately, this will facilitate better education and training in dermatology at undergraduate and postgraduate level”.