Community surgical facility helping cut waits for skin patients

22 October 2026

Patients are benefiting from faster access to treatment thanks to a new minor operating facility at Connah’s Quay Health Centre.

The minor operating facility, which opened earlier this year, is providing additional capacity for dermatology patients requiring procedures such as skin biopsies, skin cancer surgery, excisions and skin grafts, with plastic surgery services also set to make use of the facility.

The development forms part of the Health Board’s wider plans to tackle waiting times and improve access to dermatology services which have faced significant demand across North Wales in recent years.

Consultant Dermatologist Dr Perisamy Balasubrama said: “Following extensive work to ensure the right facilities and safety measures were in place, we began seeing patients here over the last few months.

“The procedures delivered at the facility are the same as those carried out an acute hospital site, but the overall patient experience can be even better. It’s an excellent environment, it’s easy to access and there is convenient parking which makes a real difference for patients.

“We are already seeing the benefits, particularly through our teledermatology service. Patients can be accessed remotely and, where required, booked directly into Connah’s Quay for treatment. It’s helping to improve access to care and supports efforts to reduce waiting times.”

The teledermatology service enables clinicians to review photographs of skin lesions remotely. Many patients can be assessed without needing a hospital appointment, while those requiring treatment can be referred directly for a procedure.

One patient to benefit from the service is 69-year-old Susan Sullivan from Wrexham, who attended the facility for a biopsy after photographs taken through the teledermatology service were reviewed by specialists.

Susan said: “I have been treated at acute hospital sites before and I found it much easier coming to Connah’s Quay. There was no trouble parking and it is straightforward to get here by train too.

“Everyone was very friendly and everything ran smoothly. It has a really calm atmosphere. As a former nurse myself, I can see what a fantastic service this is. The team are special and it’s such an important service for communities in North Wales.”

Although at the moment the service predominately serves patients in the East area of North Wales, the facility is expected to play a key role in expanding access to dermatology and plastic surgery procedures for patients across North Wales.

Sarah Murray, Directorate General Manager for the Integrated Health Community East, said the facility was already demonstrating the benefits of delivering more care within the community sites.

She said: “This facility, that is able to support up to 10 minor operating sessions each week, is providing additional surgical capacity in a modern community-based setting and is helping us improve access to services for patients.

“By creating additional capacity in Connah’s Quay we can support our effort to reduce waiting times, improve patient experience and ensure more patients receive the treatment they require as soon as possible.

“As demand for dermatology and skin cancer services continues to grow, facilities such as this will play an increasingly important role in ensuring we can meet future healthcare needs across the region.”