A unique specialist nursing service that supports patients after skin cancer surgery is helping NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde meet rising demand while giving patients fast, direct access to expert care.
Based at the renowned Canniesburn Plastic Surgery Unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialists Fiona Oakey and Joe Poole have developed a service that is now nationally recognised for its model of skin cancer surveillance.
Originally established 15 years ago to support patients with melanoma follow up, the service has evolved to meet increasing and more complex demand. Today, it provides ongoing care for patients with a range of skin cancers, including melanoma, as well as rarer and more advanced conditions.
Fiona, who has been a nurse for 30 years and part of the skin cancer CNS service since it began, said: “We support patients after surgery and stay with them through their recovery, sometimes for many years. Having that continuity means we really get to know our patients and can spot concerns early, which is hugely important.”
Patients are supported after surgery and, in many cases, for years afterwards—sometimes for life—giving them a consistent and trusted point of contact throughout their recovery.
The service operates with a high degree of autonomy, with the nursing team leading on patient care, arranging investigations and coordinating treatment, while maintaining close links with consultants and regional multidisciplinary teams.
Joe, who has more than 20 years’ nursing experience and joined the team in 2019, said: “Our approach is simple but powerful – to be there when patients need us. If someone is worried, being able to pick up the phone and speak to someone who knows them and their history can make a real difference.”
Every patient is given direct contact details for the team, ensuring they can quickly raise concerns and receive advice. Messages are reviewed daily, and in many cases, patients can be seen within a matter of days. Alongside this rapid access, regular clinical examinations provide additional reassurance at what can be an anxious time.
Fiona and Joe also play a central role in coordinating care across the West of Scotland. They are heavily involved in the regional Multi-Disciplinary Team for complex skin cancer cases, presenting the majority of patients discussed and helping to ensure timely, joined-up care.
Their work extends beyond NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, with clinics delivered in NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Ayrshire & Arran, supporting patients across a wider population while maintaining a consistent, high-quality service.
The impact of that support is felt not just in clinical care, but in the relationships built with patients over time.
As well as monitoring for recurrence, the team takes a whole-person approach, helping patients access support for other health issues where needed and providing reassurance throughout their recovery journey.
The service has also gained national recognition. In 2024, Joe presented work from the team at the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) conference, showcasing their approach and early findings from an ongoing audit. Plans are underway to publish further results, contributing to wider learning across the specialty.
This work comes against a backdrop of rising skin cancer rates.
Across Scotland, around 1,700 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year, with cases increasing significantly over the past decade. Locally, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has also seen a rise in both confirmed cases and referrals for suspected melanoma, placing growing demand on services.
Alongside their clinical work, Fiona and Joe are keen to highlight the importance of prevention and early awareness.
Fiona said: “A lot of people think skin cancer is linked to sunbeds, but the vast majority of our patients have never used one. It’s often everyday exposure – being outside for work or hobbies like gardening or golf – that adds up over time.
“We’re trying to encourage people to think about sun protection differently. It’s not just for holidays. It’s about making it part of your routine at home as well – using sunscreen, wearing a hat, covering up where you can. It’s the same sun here after all.”
Graham Christie, General Manager for Burns and Plastics at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “The Canniesburn Unit has a long-standing international reputation for excellence in burns and plastic care, and the work of Fiona and Joe builds on that legacy in a really important way.
“The service they have developed provides patients with continuity, reassurance and expert support at every stage of their recovery. Their ability to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care while working closely with colleagues across the region makes this a strong and sustainable model.
“As demand continues to grow, services like this are vital in ensuring patients receive timely follow-up care and feel supported long after their initial treatment.”
With demand continuing to rise, the service is now expanding to include an additional Clinical Nurse Specialist, ensuring more patients can benefit from the same level of dedicated, responsive care.
For those already supported by the team, the difference is clear – expert care, a familiar voice, and reassurance when it matters most.
For more information on staying safe in the sun, go to NHS Inform.
