Junction Skin Clinic officially opened in March this year, led by co-owners Dr Keith Abbott, nurse practitioner Alice Van Zijl, practice nurse Angela Ryley and her husband John Ryley. Operations manager Jo Hamilton oversees the service.
The clinic follows the closure of a previous local skin cancer service in March 2025, which left Queenstown and Wānaka as the nearest options for many patients.
A temporary clinic was set up in April 2025 to help meet immediate demand before the permanent service launched this year.
Dr Abbott, with more than 15 years experience in medicine and skin cancer diagnosis, said the need for accessible care in the region was significant, and the demand for skin cancer services in Central Otago was phenomenal.
"New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Our UV exposure is so high. And such a large portion of our Central Otago population works outdoors."
"We see farmers, vineyard workers, anyone exposed to the sun for long periods of the day coming in. Dragged in or not, it's crucial they get checked."
Ms Hamilton said the loss of the previous service had created real barriers for the community, particularly for those unable to travel.
"I think the big thing is just the demand and need for this. This isn't a case of competing with anyone. We're filling a gap that's been needed for a long time."
"To be involved in something like this, a different kind of primary medical care, feels incredibly important."
With Central Otago’s population older than the national average, they said improving access to early detection and treatment was increasingly important.
Practice nurse and co-owner Angela Ryley said the clinic was created to meet a clear gap in local services.
"We realised nobody was providing a dedicated skin cancer clinic in Cromwell. We don't just provide that service to our patients, we're open to all people, anywhere."
The increasing cost of fuel, along with travel costs, distance, and a patient’s ability to drive themselves or access transport all present barriers that makes local services increasingly important, the team said.
The clinic is open to anyone, including visitors to the region, and runs weekday appointments along with some Saturday clinics to improve access.
The service includes full body skin checks, spot assessments, diagnostic imaging and minor surgical procedures. The clinic also uses advanced dermatology imaging software to support documentation and analysis of skin conditions, including skin cancer.
The clinic has already received strong support from the community and demand continues to grow as more people seek accessible, local care.
