Five extra machines make light work of skin treatment

The advanced treatment facility at St Luke’s Hospital, which includes £50,000 worth of new equipment, will benefit patients from across the city.

The dermatology day care unit was created for five ultra- violet machines – two of which were bought jointly by Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Friends of St Luke’s.

Consultant dermatologist Dr Andrew Wright said: “The number of patients we have been treating has gradually increased over the years and our old treatment facility became cramped and our machines overworked. It is therefore a huge development in our service to be able, not only to acquire two innovative UVB machines but also to move to a new dedicated, technically-advanced, ultra-violet light treatment facility.

“Staff are delighted to be working in new modern facilities with enhanced equipment which will greatly benefit the care of patients with skin problems in Bradford and beyond.”

Ultraviolet light treatments for patients are delivered using two different forms: UVB machines treat the patient’s body while UVA machines can also treat the patient’s hands and feet as well as their body.

These treatments are used widely on patients with skin problems including psoriasis and eczema.

Dr Wright said: “Such treatment has been offered in Bradford for over 30 years but when I first arrived in the city in 1990 we had only one combined UVA/UVB machine at the hospital.

“About 12 years ago we purchased another UVB machine which, at the time, delivered a relatively new form of UVB called TLO1 treatment which has proved extremely successful, particularly for treating patients with psoriasis.

“We now have one existing UVA and two new UVB machines for the body alongside our existing two UVA machines for hand and foot treatments so patients really should see an improved service as the facility brings new technology along with increased space for patients, better changing facilities and more private seating areas.”

An additional £20,000 was spent remodelling the existing clinical space within the new dermatology unit.