At Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH), meaningful change in dermatology care is unfolding -thanks to the generosity of one family’s vision and the dedication of a passionate Nurse Practitioner. Through the NORTH Foundation, a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner role was established – the first of its kind within the New South Wales public hospital system. Since then, it has significantly improved access to care and reduced long wait times for patients.
Before this role was introduced, patients could wait up to three years for treatment in dermatology clinics. Today, many are being seen in just two to four months. Entirely new clinics have been established, access to care has drastically improved, and people in rural and regional areas – many of whom previously had no public dermatology options – are finally receiving the help they need.
At the heart of it all is Nurse Practitioner Erin Mewton, who leads multiple dermatology clinics. . Her position exists because of philanthropic funding – offering a powerful example of how targeted giving can transform not just a single role, but an entire system of care.
Putting patients first: reducing wait times and expanding dermatology care access
Erin’s role is more than a job – it’s a turning point for public dermatology care. Since becoming fully endorsed as a Nurse Practitioner, she has launched and led several high-impact clinics, including a Nurse-led Paediatric Dermatology Clinic, a COâ‚‚ Laser Clinic for burn scarring, and a Skin Cancer and Dermatology Surgery Clinic – all operating within the public system.
“We’re now able to offer comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to patients who were previously waiting years for specialist care,” says Erin. “In some cases, these delays could mean the difference between early intervention and more serious outcomes.”
The laser clinic, for example, provides advanced therapy for patients who have suffered severe burn injuries. Many of these individuals were previously unable to access laser treatments unless they could afford private care. Now, thanks to Erin’s leadership and collaboration with Consultant Dermatologist Dr Adrian Lim, patients are experiencing improved scar texture, reduced pain, increased mobility, and – most importantly – renewed quality of life.
The Nurse-led Skin Cancer and Dermatology Surgery Clinic has been equally transformative. “Waitlists that used to exceed 300 patients have been significantly reduced,” Erin explains. “We’ve created a safe, efficient model that increases access, speeds up biopsies, and improves outcomes across the board.”
These aren’t isolated successes. They reflect a systemic shift in how public dermatology care at RNSH and across the public system can be delivered – and Erin’s role is proof of that.
More than a role: philanthropy driving public innovation
It’s a common misconception that all hospital roles are government funded. In reality, many innovative or emerging roles – like Erin’s – only come to life because of philanthropy. The vision behind this Nurse Practitioner position came from a donor family who understood the immense gap in dermatology care, and who chose to fund a solution.
That support has made all the difference.
“Without this position, many of our patients would have no option but to seek private care or wait years for public access,” Erin says. “Now, they’re seen sooner, they’re treated sooner, and they feel supported every step of the way.”
Erin’s reach also extends beyond the walls of RNSH. She regularly supports clinicians across rural and regional areas, offers education and consultation to help lift statewide dermatology capacity, and contributes to national education platforms like HealthPathways and the Lippincott Nursing Education platform.
Her clinical responsibilities are equally extensive: she prescribes medication, performs skin surgeries, diagnoses complex conditions, and provides long-term follow-up care. She also works in partnership with departments like Burns and Plastics, Paediatrics and Renal, helping ensure patients with complex needs receive holistic, multidisciplinary treatment.
Perhaps most importantly, Erin is mentoring the next generation of dermatology nurses, building a pipeline of skilled professionals who can one day expand the model further.
“It’s not just about treating skin,” Erin says. “It’s about listening, educating and empowering patients. And it’s about creating a system where everyone – no matter where they live or what they can afford – can access world-class care.”
This groundbreaking role – and the life-changing care it delivers – would not exist without the support of philanthropy. Through the NORTH Foundation, donors have the opportunity to connect directly with frontline healthcare needs, enabling change that is visible, measurable and deeply human.
“The gratitude we receive from patients is overwhelming,” Erin reflects. “Every thank you, every letter, every person who says they finally feel seen – it all goes back to that one act of generosity that made this role possible.”
To learn more about the NORTH Foundation and how you can support healthcare innovation, visit northfoundation.org.au.
