Dermatology Clinics Australia to close Newtown clinic in early February due to lack of demand

A dermatology clinic in Newtown, which opened less than 12 months ago, will close in early February.

A Newtown skin clinic, which opened less than 12 months ago, will close in February.

A Newtown dermatology clinic is set to close in a matter of weeks, leaving patients unable to receive skin treatments close to home.

Dermatology Clinics Australia will close its Pakington St practice on February 2 due to a lack of patients demand for the type of services it provides.

The clinic opened less than 12 months ago in March last year to help combat a shortage of dermatologists in the Geelong region.

Co-founder and medical director Dr Shobhan Manoharan said the clinic used a hybrid model with dermatology assistants at the clinic and telehealth consultations with dermatologists.

“We were trying to provide rapid access to dermatologists, with the lack of dermatologists in regional centres, including in Geelong,” he said.

“In this area, the demand for this form of telehealth was not enough for us to sustain a clinic.

Dr Manoharan said many patients wanted face-to-face dermatology services.

“We are essentially a small business facing severe economic pressures at the moment,” he said.

The practice treats patients with eczema, psoriasis and vitiligo using phototherapy, which involves the use of ultraviolet (UV) light to treat moderate to severe eczema.

Treatment plans also include consultations with dermatologists and prescription medication.

Dr Manoharan said patients would not be “left in the lurch”.

“We are providing people with as many options as possible,” he said.

“We’re taking this very seriously as this is people’s health.”

Locals have been offered telehealth appointments once the clinic closes and those who receive phototherapy can be treated at its Hoppers Crossing practice.

“Some patients are understandably upset because it’s difficult for them to go into Melbourne (regularly) for treatment,” Dr Manoharan said.

“We are happy to refer them to a local dermatologist.

“I also have close colleagues in Melbourne who are willing to accept patients within days.”

The staff working at the clinic, including a clinic manager and three dermatology assistants, will also be without a job.

Dr Manoharan said patients will not be out of pocket once the clinic closes.

“Some new patients haven’t yet had their consultations with a dermatologist yet,” he said.

“Those patients they will be given the option of a refund or to continue with telehealth.”

Originally published as Dermatology Clinics Australia to close Newtown clinic in early February due to lack of demand