1.65 Few explicit comments were made on the dermatology options, except in the consultation questionnaire and at the resident workshops. Across the other consultation methods, consultees preferred to discuss more general considerations in relation to dermatology.
1.66 Options A and B were both rejected by most participants at the resident workshops and neither were well supported in the consultation questionnaire, the key reasons being that Option A would see no dermatology provision in Pembrokeshire and Option B would see none in Ceredigion.
1.67 Resident workshop participants and many questionnaire respondents expressed a strong preference for Option C, valuing the coverage across all three counties, improved access, and inclusion of nurse-led paediatric services (the latter would also apply to Options A and D). However, they also questioned the feasibility of GPs undertaking minor dermatology procedures given existing workload pressures and requested greater clarity on training, funding and delivery arrangements. Although they did not directly express support for or opposition to Option C, feedback around nurse-led and GP provision was largely echoed by other consultees.
1.68 More specifically, some staff were sceptical about the feasibility of providing nurse-led paediatric clinics at Cross Hands Health Centre under Option C (and D), as there is no formal agreement of funding or scope for dermatology at this location currently.
1.69 A number of Ceredigion resident workshop participants preferred Option D on the basis that it avoids placing additional pressure on GPs and increasing waiting times for non-dermatology GP appointments. The option was also preferred by some questionnaire respondents on the basis of maintaining some community service coverage across all three counties.