The Wonthaggi Medical Group is set to expand its healthcare services by opening a dedicated skin cancer clinic. This new clinic will serve as a sister facility to the well-established Icarus Skin Cancer Clinic in Koo Wee Rup.
The Wonthaggi clinic will open on Monday, May 26, providing the Bass Coast community with local access to expert skin checks and treatments. Importantly, patients can visit the clinic without needing a referral.
Gayle Bloch, Practice Manager at Wonthaggi Medical Group, said the idea of opening the clinic had been planned for some time, but now was the right moment to launch it.
“Skin cancer management is a major part of our care, and we have seen growing demand for these services in the community,” Bloch explained. “We know how well Icarus serves Koo Wee Rup, and it’s time to bring that same quality of care to Wonthaggi.”
Dr. Thomas Solano, a rural GP with a Masters in Skin Cancer Medicine from the University of Queensland, will see patients at the new clinic three days a week. He has extensive experience working in skin cancer clinics across Australia and collaborating with dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
Dr. Solano expressed enthusiasm about joining the new clinic. “Our goal is to operate like Icarus in Koo Wee Rup, focusing on skin health with streamlined patient care and a complete approach to skin cancer management and prevention,” he said.
Australia faces the highest melanoma rates worldwide, with two out of three Australians expected to develop some form of skin cancer during their lives.
“Early detection is vital,” Dr. Solano stressed. “Regular skin checks can save lives. Most melanomas start as new spots on the skin and may not always appear on sun-exposed areas.”
During a skin check at the clinic, doctors take a detailed medical history, evaluate risk factors, and perform a thorough examination using a dermatoscope.
“Our aim is to make patients feel safe, comfortable, and well-informed,” Dr. Solano said. “We discuss prevention, examine the skin carefully, and create treatment plans that may involve surgery or other methods.”
He encouraged people over 20 to get regular skin checks, even if they have never had skin cancer. “You don’t need a full-body check to come in. If you notice one mole or spot that worries you, we welcome you.”
“This allows for quicker diagnosis and treatment, along with better post-operative care,” Yeilds said. “It gives the community a focused facility for skin health.”
She added that the clinic aims to reduce surgery wait times and plans to expand services by adding a dermal clinician who can provide laser and light therapies to improve skin health and appearance.
“Our mission is to support patients throughout their entire skin journey — from diagnosis to recovery and ongoing care,” Yeilds concluded.
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