Patient David Wheatley receives advice from Karen Curtis, with Ronnae Gold (in white), Boots Suncare Consultant, and Melanie Prouse and Ronnae Gold, from Boots.

STAFF at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital took advantage of National Sun Awareness Week to advise patients and colleagues about staying safe in the sun.

Workers in the dermatology department ran a stand in the outpatients' department.

Patients, staff and visitors were able to pick up information and advice on avoiding danger in the sun.

A suncare consultant from Boots was on hand to provide advice on skin care and fake tan products.

Among the advice given was a checklist and tips on the importance of checking moles regularly for early signs of cancer.

Karen Curtis, the hospital's Macmillan Skin Cancer Specialist Nurse, said: "The South-West has the highest incidences of skin cancer in the country.

"At Musgrove alone we have seen a large increase in the numbers of skin melanomas referred to us, doubling from 60 in 2003 to 120 last year.

"We were really keen to use Sun Awareness Week to help promote the message about being sensible in the sun to our local community."

Outpatients receptionist Melanie Prouse was pleased to have the opportunity to visit the stand.

She said: "I have young grandchildren and it was really useful to be able to talk to the experts and to get the best advice possible about how to safeguard them against future skin problems."

12:08pm Friday 9th May 2008

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