The National Managed Clinical Network for Phototherapy in Scotland (Photonet) was formed under a service agreement between NHS Tayside and the National Services Division (NSD) on 1 November 2002.
The Network provides a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary service for the treatment of patients who require phototherapy treatment for management of skin disorders. The management arrangements include representation from patients’ organisations. The Network is responsible for reporting to NSD – the commissioners of the service.
One of the main features of the Network was the development of a centralised computer system (PhotoSys) to provide storage and retrieval facilities for patient treatment records. PhotoSys will assist in ensuring each centre provides the same level of service. In addition it is used to identify patients with a heightened risk of developing skin cancer due to extensive exposure to ultraviolet sources, and these patients would then be invited to come for yearly skin screening and examination.
Who is involved in Photonet?
The Network comprises of Dermatology Clinicians, Nurse Phototherapists, Photophysicists as well as Management, Administration and IT Professionals.
To view a diagram of the Photonet MCN structure, please click here
Treatment Centres
Currently Photonet have 40 treatment centres across Scotland where Phototherapy is administered ranging from Gilbert Bain Hospital in Shetland to the Borders General Hospital Melrose.
What is a Managed Clinical Network?
Managed Clinical Networks (MCNs) are groups of professionals from health, local authority and voluntary groups and patient representatives who work together to agree the best ways to care for patients across several health care services. They aim to make sure that patients receive the same high standard of care wherever they may live.