A brand new £3.5 million unit at Solihull Hospital has opened its doors to patients securing the area one of the leading dermatology centres in the UK.

The new unit includes state-of-the-art facilities and has been purpose-built to suit the needs of patients with skin cancer and other skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis.

Among the benefits of the new unit are three new skin surgery theatres, increasing surgical capacity and allowing for a more efficient and seamless journey for patients. In addition, there is a state-of the-art skin allergy testing facility, phototherapy and integrated consulting and treatment rooms.

Dr Irshad Zaki, consultant dermatologist and clinical director, said it was a ‘very exciting’ time for the highly acclaimed service.

He said: “The dermatology service at Solihull Hospital provides a comprehensive service for the local population but is also a tertiary referral centre for patients with severe skin disease and skin cancer, as well as for allergy testing. We receive referrals from as far afield as North Wales, particularly for complex skin cancer surgery.

“We are one of only a few departments in England for Mohs micrographic surgery (a type of skin cancer surgery) and the laboratory in the new department allows us to analyse the specimen during surgery to ensure the whole skin cancer has been removed. We are also one of the two national centres for epidermolysis bullosa, a rare and severe genetic skin disorder, while the opportunities for education and teaching in our department have been recognised nationally.

“Having this fantastic new unit will enhance further the service we can provide to our patients and puts Solihull Hospital at the forefront of dermatology treatment, not just in the Midlands, but in the country as a whole.”

The new facility is located at the North entrance of Solihull Hospital on the first floor opposite the education centre.