Woman left in limbo after Cork University Hospital cancer clinic closes

A Cork woman who was left in limbo after the skin melanoma screening clinic in the Cork University Hospital closed unexpectedly has been forced to go private to continue her treatment.

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 lead consultant.

Mayfield native Elaine Delea, who attended the mole mapping clinic at CUH for the past 23 years, told The Echo that she only found out last week when she phoned the hospital that no further service is available for mole screening in the public hospital.

Ms Delea said: “I do not have any issue with the retirement of the consultant, as I was aware this was due to happen. 

"My main concern was lack of communication on the hospital’s part to inform me that this service was no longer going to continue. This, to me, is very worrying, from a patient who relied on this service to keep my health in check for the last number of years.”

She added she is now overdue a mole screening and that she will have no choice but to get a private screening done.

“This comes at a cost financially, and more importantly mentally, for those who may not be aware of this service ending, or who may not be able to afford it.”

Cork Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn said he has tabled a series of parliamentary questions to health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, seeking answers as to 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.

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.

Indefensilble

“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.”

In response to a query on the future of skin cancer screenings at CUH, a HSE spokesperson told The Echo: “The skin surveillance service previously provided at Cork University Hospital was an additional clinical activity undertaken by a consultant surgeon, who has since retired.

“Patients requiring ongoing surveillance have had their care reviewed and, where appropriate, transferred to clinicians with relevant expertise at SIVUH (South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital ).

“HSE South West remains committed to ensuring that patients who meet clinical criteria for assessment or surveillance have access to appropriate specialist care.”