The Otago District Health Board is struggling to provide a dermatology service without a resident specialist.
The lack of a dermatologist in Otago or Southland is a huge teaching issue for the Dunedin School of Medicine, dean Dr John Adams told the hospital advisory committee this week.
It was a matter of significant concern. At present, service to both boards is being provided by a visiting Canterbury specialist.
Committee and board chairman Richard Thomson asked whether there would be cost benefits in providing a joint service with Southland.
Chief operating officer Vivian Blake said it had been previously highlighted as a possibility, but it had not been explored further.
Mr Thomson suggested the various options should be examined to see which the board should pursue.
