HEALTH minister Lord Philip Hunt officially opened Leigh Infirmary's 21st century dermatology centre on Wednesday.

He was taken on tour of the state-of-the-art facilities by consultant dermatologists, Drs Jennifer Yell and Elizabeth Stewart.

The first patients were seen at The Prosser White Centre, named after a pioneering 19th century Wigan GP, in February and are already feeling the benefits of the new accommodation.

This contains two new operating theatres for minor surgery, such as removing moles, additional consulting rooms and space for new equipment.

Previously patients used general outpatient clinics.

As well as funding the centre's extensive facelift Wigan and Leigh Health Services NHS Trust has invested in additional medical and nursing staff to keep outpatient waiting times to a minimum. The centre will also provide better opportunities for training staff to treat an ever increasing number of patients.

A range of clinics and treatments are now available for conditions such as leg ulcers, psoriasis, eczema and warts and counselling and advice are vital components of the service.

Dr Stewart said: "We spend a lot of time talking to people, listening to their concerns and ultimately helping them to help themselves and we are delighted that Lord Hunt is taking the time to see what we do."

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