Dr. Joe Coffey says he and his twin brother, Dr. James Coffey will be offering these clinics one weekend a month beginning in October.
For the past 6 years, there hasn’t been a full time practicing dermatologist in the west coast region, but that is all about to change. Dermatology services are now being offered at the Western Memorial Regional Hospital (WMRH) through visiting clinics. Dr. Joe Coffey says he and his twin brother, Dr. James Coffey will be offering these clinics one weekend a month beginning in October. This is for new, undiagnosed, patients who are walking around with eczema, psoriasis or even skin cancer. Dr. Coffey says there is a need in the area for two full time dermatologists and the waitlist is between 4 and 12 months to see one in St.. John’s. He says the Issue is academic isolation and if there’s only one it’s hard to share findings with a colleague.
Paulette Morgan is the Senior Director for hospital and clinical services within the western zone. She says this will help new patients get treatment without having to travel across the island. Meanwhile, Morgan says the search for a full time dermatologist for the western region continues.
The next visiting clinic will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 4th and Saturday, October 5th.