Our story

The concept of the Skin Hospital (formally the Skin & Cancer Foundation) originated in the early 1970s when dermatologists from NSW suggested that a Foundation be established to raise money to contribute to the development of academic dermatology in Australia.

In 1975-76 Dr Ken Paver, in association with Drs Ken Poyzer, Ray King and Ron Spencer worked hard to turn this concept into reality and, in 1976, the Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia opened its first clinic within the St Vincent’s Hospital Medical Centre. Dermatologists, at that time, worked on an honorary basis, so that all fees from patient services could be used to support the activities and development of the Foundation.

To benefit people who suffer from diseases of the skin. The Skin Hospital aims to:

• Develop the science of dermatology and its sub-specialities
• Be a centre of excellence in the provision of dermatology services, research and education
• Remain financially independent
• Maintain visibility and relevance for our stakeholders, and for our dermatology trainees, students and nurses

The Skin Hospital’s values are the following:

United by a common desire to develop the dermatology profession

Achieving Excellence in patient care, research and teaching, and particularly for skin diseases not catered for by others

Integrity through acting with honesty, openness and mutual respect

Caring for our patients and others with our best efforts

Collaboration by working in partnership with other people and organisations to achieve greater results

Since opening in 1976, the Hospital has gained a reputation as a centre of excellence in the clinical management of skin diseases, skin cancer and skin surgery. The hospital operates Day Surgery Units at both Darlinghurst and Westmead, with both facilities accredited against the National Safety and Quality Health Standards (NSQHS) and licensed with the NSW Department of Health as day procedure centres. We offer over 20 speciality skin clinics and access to over 50 dermatologists.

The Skin Hospital is a registered educational institution, and with its association with the Australasian College of Dermatologists is committed to the training of dermatology registrars. We estimate that in the past 15 years, 95% of dermatologists admitted to Fellowship in NSW have spent at least one year of their training at The Skin Hospital and currently we train more dermatologists than any other institution in Australia.

The Skin Hospital is committed to undertaking research in dermatology. We have a dedicated research unit under the leadership of A/Prof John Frew backed up by a highly skilled research team.