‘Appalling’ shortage of skin specialists

CHILDREN and adults with embarrassing and irritating skin conditions that affect quality of life, interpersonal relationships and job prospects face substantial waits for treatment because of a shortage of specialists.

The problem is acute in the south-east where more than 3,000 adults are waiting up to three years for routine appointments with a consultant dermatologist and where the weekly paediatric dermatology clinic has a waiting list of six months.

Dr Colin Buckley, the only dermatologist in the public service for a region with a population of 460,000, said he was “blue in the face” from asking for a second dermatologist.