PEOPLE with moles can have them checked out much quicker thanks to a new pilot available at GP surgeries in the Sedgefield area.

Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has introduced the pilot in all 11 GP practices in the Sedgefield locality, which covers the Newton Aycliffe, Ferryhill, Spennymoor, Shildon and Sedgefield areas.

GPs can now study images of a patient's mole or lesion with a dermatoscope and if they detect anything of concern, can send the image for further scrutiny to a dermatologist, who will decide whether the patient needs to be referred for further treatment.

The pilot aims to ensure that patients have their skin conditions assessed more quickly, improves the early detection of skin cancer, reduces the number of patients referred for a hospital appointment when they don't need one and ultimately will save the NHS money.

Every GP practice in the Sedgefield area has been provided with a dermatoscope and has identified a GP who will act as a 'Dermatology Champion'.

Dr Andrew Clarke, a GP and dermatology lead at Peaseway Medical Centre in Newton Aycliffe said: "I'm really excited about this new service as I can only see advantages for patients and clinicians alike.

"Atypical moles are becoming more common and there is a large grey area between obviously malignant and obviously benign moles. "The first mole I examined with a dermatoscope was suspicious, prompting an urgent referral. A melanoma was confirmed and excision showed it to be at a very early stage and a complete cure is expected."

The pilot will be evaluated and if successful, could be extended across the Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield CCG area.