Galway patients with suspected skin cancer waiting over three years for assessments
As the West of Ireland basks in summer sunshine this week, new figures reveal hundreds of patients with suspected skin cancer are waiting over three years for a dermatology assessment.
The HSE has confirmed that the dermatology waiting lists at Galway University Hospital total 4,326, with a further 343 waiting at Portiuncula University Hospital and 674 at Mayo University Hospital.
Some 21% of these patients suspected of having skin cancer are waiting more than 36 months for a dermatological assessment.
That represents more than 1,100 patients suspected of skin cancer waiting three years for an assessment.
Galway County Councillor Evelyn Parsons (Ind), who asked the question at the latest HSE West and North West Regional Health Forum, said the waiting times are clearly not in line with national targets in Sláintecare.
Councillor Parsons said that during the current hot spell, the HSE was advising people to carry out mole mapping and use sun protection but there was a mismatch between that message and the “concerning” waiting lists for dermatology assessments.
Chris Kane, General Manager GUH, told the HSE Forum meeting that the focus over the coming months would be “clinical validation” of the waiting lists for people waiting over 36 months.
Ann Cosgrove, HSE manager in Galway Roscommon, said patients with urgent or potentially serious conditions are prioritised.
“Referrals for suspected melanoma are scheduled for urgent appointments, while referrals for other suspected skin cancers are categorised as semi-urgent and are seen without delay,” she said.
Ms Cosgrove said demand for dermatology services, including skin cancers, “continues to exceed available capacity across the region”.
She confirmed that a total of 37% of patients have been waiting longer than 12 months, “with a notable cohort waiting between 24 and 36 months which is outside the Sláintecare targets”.
Ms Cosgrove said the HSE “acknowledges the importance of timely access to dermatology services, particularly for patients with suspected skin cancer”.