TDs raise concerns over future of skin cancer surveillance services at CUH

Cork Independent Ireland TD Ken O'Flynn said he was contacted by a patient, who was diagnosed with melanoma through this screening and who only discovered the service at CUH was gone when she rang to chase up her own appointment. File picture: Denis Scannell

Concerns have been raised about the future of skin cancer surveillance services at Cork University Hospital (CUH) which ceased after the retirement of a lead consultant earlier this year with no confirmation that he will be replaced.

Earlier this year, the issue over the future of melanoma treatment, including mole mapping and screening at CUH was highlighted following the retirement of the senior clinician.

Cork Social Democrats TD Padraig Rice tabled a parliamentary question on the matter, seeking clarity on whether the service was no longer operational in CUH and if there are plans to reinstate the service.

In a response back in March, the CEO of CUH told Mr Rice that a review was underway and would be concluded as a matter of urgency.

Mr Rice told the Irish Examiner there now needs to be clarity on the future of melanoma skin cancer screening at CUH.

“We need to know if this review has been completed and when this service will be reinstated. Why did the service have to end before this review took place?

“A much more proactive, rather than reactive approach to service provision is needed. This was a predictable problem after all."

Cork Independent Ireland TD Ken O'Flynn said he was contacted by a patient, who was diagnosed with melanoma through this screening and who only discovered the service at CUH was gone when she rang to chase up her own appointment.

Mr O’Flynn said: "This is a service that catches skin cancer early, and for the people on that list it is the difference between a routine check and a late diagnosis.

"To let it lapse when a consultant retires is bad enough. To do it without putting anything in its place and without telling a single patient, is indefensible."

Mr O'Flynn added that he has tabled a series of parliamentary questions to the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill seeking answers on why the service was dropped, how many patients are affected, why none were notified, and what will now be done to restore melanoma surveillance in the public system in Cork.

Cork South Central Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoire added “I would be urging the CUH, but particularly HSE nationally, to do everything they can to fill this position.

“So that the service can resume and people can get early intervention in relation to any concerns they have around moles or melanoma.” 

Cork Labour Party senator Laura Harmon told the Irish Examiner that any reduction in cancer screening or diagnostic services at Cork University Hospital would be a serious concern.

“Early detection is absolutely critical when it comes to melanoma and other skin cancers, and patients in Cork need certainty that they will continue to have timely access to the specialist care they need.“ 

The Irish Examiner has asked for an official comment from the HSE.