A THRIVING medical service has a new base in Cockermouth.

Cumbria Medical Services (CMS) was formed in July 2013 by Dr Fayyaz Chaudhri and Dr Martin White to provide a GP with Special Interest (GPWSI) community NHS dermatology and minor surgery service across Cumbria.

It has grown and developed over the last eight years and now provides NHS specialist services in community dermatology, minor surgery and also ophthalmology.

Over the last few years the administration team has been based at the Lakeland Business Park in Cockermouth with all clinics being delivered from various locations across the county including local community hospitals and GP surgeries.

CMS now has a clinical base of its own on the lower ground floor of Cockermouth Community Hospital.

Manager Anita Wilkinson said: "From this new location we are able to provide clinical services to patients where our doctors, nurses and healthcare are working more closely alongside the administration team.

"Our clinics here started in early October and are already progressing well.

"This really is an exciting time for Dr Chaudhri and Dr White who have been planning this move over the last few months."

There are now weekly dermatology clinics running from Cockermouth as well as minor skin surgery clinics.

CMS is run by a team of local GPs with a special interest in dermatology, minor surgery and ophthalmology. Supported by consultants, the doctors provide a wide range of treatments in dermatology and minor procedures including carpal tunnel, vasectomies, skin lesions surgery and hernia operations.

Patient feedback continues to be highly positive with CMS receiving an ‘Outstanding’ award from the CQC when inspected in 2019.

CMS will continue to use the facilities provided by local hospitals and GP surgeries throughout the north of Cumbria.

The service is delighted with its new base. "It's fabulous," said Mrs Wilkinson. We have had so many challenges over the last few months working out of different bases. Having this space in which to manage ourselves is fantastic.

"The aspiration is to use the facilities available to us at Cockermouth Community Hospital to develop a centre of excellence for our community-based dermatology services."