'Cold cap' machine not in use due to 'staffing and training requirements', says CUH

Cork University Hospital has confirmed it has a machine to prevent hair loss while undergoing chemotherapy, but that it is not in use due to “staffing and training requirements”.

In June 2023, then health minister Stephen Donnelly said that CUH was one of seven hospitals across the country that provide a scalp-cooling service. The machines cost approximately €20,000 each.

A cold cap, or scalp-cooling machine, chills the scalp during chemotherapy to reduce blood flow to hair follicles, helping prevent or minimise hair loss.

A HSE spokesperson told The Echo: “Cork University Hospital can confirm that a scalp-cooling machine is in place within the oncology service.

“Work is under way to support the introduction of this service, including staffing and training requirements. The service will become operational once the required training is completed.” 

They told Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, in response to a parliamentary question: “The cold cap/scalp-cooling machine is not yet operational.

“Following recruitment, a healthcare assistant has been appointed to manage this and is currently going through the recruitment process.

“Once the healthcare assistant commences in post, all necessary training will be provided and then the cold cap/scalp-cooling machine will become operational.” 

Mr Ó Laoghaire said he has been contacted by many women about this issue, telling The Echo: “Chemotherapy on women with cancer takes an enormous toll, in so, so many ways. Hair loss is one of those significant tolls, and if it can be avoided, as it can in some instances, it should.

“That is why there is a scalp-cooling or 'cool cap' machine in the CUH as well as other places. It is, in my view, unacceptable that this is not available due to a lack of training. It seems an incredible waste.

“The women who have spoken to me are at pains to say that the staff are fantastic and do all they can, and plainly it is not their fault that the HSE and the CUH have not provided the requisite training.” 

Mr Ó Laoghaire said the HSE response shows the machine is not currently available or operational. “Yet we know from responses to Dáil questions that this service was introduced, or meant to be introduced, by 2023.

“So we need answers — was it ever rolled out? If it was, when did it stop? What was the last time it was used? I have asked the minister for answers to these questions.” 

Mr Ó Laoghaire added: “Cancer is a terrible disease, and caused so much hardship that comes in different ways, illness, fatigue, stress and worry, and much more. Women have a right to try and keep their hair if it’s possible, it’s hard enough going through cancer and chemotherapy. It won't always be possible, but if hair loss can be prevented, at least the person should have the right to decide.”