The launch of a new dermatology practice offering the ‘gold standard’ in skin cancer treatment was celebrated with nibbles and mocktails on Wednesday [February 24].
Specialist dermatologist and reconstructive surgeon Dr Juber Hafiji wanted to thank those who had encouraged him to set up the practice and supported him over the many months it took to set up the clinic; from importing the state-of-the-art medical equipment and finding the right highly-trained and empathetic team members, to preparing day operating theatres and the specialised laboratory.
Medical professionals, patients, business people and team members gathered at the new practice within Napier Health Centre, and were personally thanked by Dr Hafiji and his wife Shahin Hafiji.
He told the assembled crowd that he and Shahin, who had moved from the United Kingdom almost exactly a year ago, “truly appreciate the new family that has gathered around to support us on this journey”.
The practice represents a major investment in dermatological services in Hawke’s Bay, including an on-site laboratory that allows same-day analysis of skin cancer results, and day-theatre rooms.
Those components allow Mohs Micrographic Surgery to be used to treat suitable skin cancers. Until now, this option has not been available in Hawke’s Bay.
“It means we are able, with certain types of skin cancer, to remove the visible part of the cancer a thin layer at a time, taking just a very small margin of healthy skin with it,” says Dr Hafiji.
“We immediately check the outer margins of the removed skin in our laboratory to confirm that we have removed all of the cancer. We continue to carry out that process until all of the cancer is removed.”
The very precise surgical technique has several advantages. “The first is that we don’t remove any more skin than we absolutely have to, keeping the wound as small and as shallow as possible. That gives a much better cosmetic result. A second advantage is that our patient’s surgery and analysis are completed on one day, which means they don’t have to wait a week for results and potentially having to come back for further surgery.”
The launch of Dermatology Hawke’s Bay, which treats all manner of skin, hair and nail conditions, coincided with the unveiling of its new website, designed to reflect the ethos of the practice and its team.
“My goal, and that of all of our team members, is very simple – to treat our patients as I would like myself or my family to be treated,” says Dr Hafiji.
