More than 165 staff had their moles checked as part of an annual sun awareness session at Walsall Manor Hospital.
As part of this year’s skin cancer awareness month, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Dermatology Team ran a drop-in clinic for staff.
Healthcare experts also gave advice on the dangers of sun exposure and the damaging effects it can have on the skin such as cancer.
Heidi Gibbs, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Skin Cancer, said: “The event went really well. A lot of staff came to see us for help and advice.
“We were also able to reassure 151 staff, refer ten for fast-track appointments, one for a routine appointment and gave five people advice to see their GP.
“Having a mix of clinical staff including an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Registers and Consultants allows us to pick up skin cancer, warn colleagues about it, and help them protect themselves.
“We pick up about three to four skin cancers every year when running these clinics which shows how important it is to get your moles checked. It’s also a good way to educate our staff who can then help raise awareness among our patients.”
Chloe Danks, Patient Voice Team Lead, was among the attendees and asked for checks on moles on her back.
She said: “It is great this event is run yearly for staff. I wanted to have some of my moles checked so to come to work and get the reassurance is great.”
Most skin cancers can be avoided if people follow these basic rules:
• Check your skin for changes regularly
• Report any skin changes to your GP or nurse promptly
• Do not use sunlamps or sunbeds
• Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
• Avoid getting burnt
• Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses
• Take extra care with children
• Use at least SPF 30 sunscreen and reapply every two hours or after swimming or getting wet.
REMEMBER: Slip-Slop-Slap-Seek and Slide. Slip on a shirt and cover up, slop on the sunscreen (SPF30 or more) liberally and frequently (every two hours or after swimming) to face and sun exposed skin, slap on a hat, with a broad brim and tight weave. Seek shade during the hottest parts of the day (between 11 – 3pm) and slide on sunglasses to protect the eyes.