"We are confident this service will give workers across the country the confidence and assurance they need to make informed decisions about their health."
- Amanda Phillips, Executive Director at Circle Integrated Care
According to the latest figures from NHS England, 623k patients waited over twenty-eight days after an urgent skin cancer-related referral between October 2022 and June 2023. This comes after the NHS pledged to see patients with suspected skin cancer within two weeks.
Research conducted by The British Medical Association (BMA) has shown these delays aren’t isolated to skin cancer patients, with only 65% of patients receiving treatment within two months of a cancer screening.
Consequently, Healix has launched a new digital service in partnership with Circle Integrated Care to improve skin cancer awareness. Employees from Healix’s member companies will now have access to dermatological assessments and referrals via its helpline or member zone.
Users will be able to send a photograph of their skin lesion or mole to a dermatology expert. Upon review, the user will then receive a follow up, face-to-face consultation for a biopsy, or further treatment if required.
“It’s crucial that employees have fast access to consultations at a time when pressure on health services persists […] we know that early detection can save lives, so giving people the ability to alert healthcare specialists to skin concerns from the comfort of their own home is vital,” explained Ian Talbot, CEO of Healix.
He’s seen employees placing increasing importance on quick access to healthcare, actively choosing employers based on the benefits available. “It’s important that workplaces are stepping up to offer a wide range of services to cater for all circumstances,” he added.
Amanda Phillips, Executive Director at Circle Integrated Care, said “access to fast and effective care is key to achieving the best outcomes for members.” She explained that supporting members with the ability to communicate directly with specialists, at a time and place that’s convenient to them, is vital in the fight against cancer; "it eliminates the stress and anxiety associated with waiting for answers."
