The UHW dermatology waiting list crisis is set to worsen, as growing demand and a looming staffing shortage place increasing pressure on services at University Hospital Waterford.
GPs across the southeast have been formally notified of the situation, with concerns that access to dermatology care could become even more limited in the coming months.
GPs warned of growing pressure on dermatology services
Dr Austin Byrne of Tramore Medical Clinic says a letter issued to GPs outlines a “dire situation” developing within dermatology services at University Hospital Waterford.
According to Dr Byrne, demand for dermatology care is already far exceeding available capacity, with the department currently operating with three consultants, a number set to drop further.
“There are currently three consultants and one is due to retire in May, leaving just two to deal with a service that has been under pressure for years,” he said.
The reduction in staffing comes amid significant population growth and rising referral rates, contributing to what is now the largest dermatology waiting list in the country.
Thousands waiting for treatment at UHW
The scale of the UHW dermatology waiting list crisis is reflected in current figures, with more than 7,000 people awaiting appointments.
Of those, over 2,600 patients have been waiting longer than 18 months, while more than 1,400 are within the initial zero to three-month category.
Dr Byrne noted that referral volumes are estimated at between 400 and 500 cases per month, placing further strain on an already stretched service.
“The numbers are staggering. UHW accounts for almost a third of the longest dermatology waits nationally,” he said.
Impact on patients and access to care
While the majority of dermatology conditions are managed in general practice, more complex cases including severe psoriasis, paediatric dermatology and certain skin cancers require specialist hospital care.
Dr Byrne warned that delays in accessing treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers and other serious conditions could have significant consequences.
“We’re now in a situation where patients who need care in a matter of weeks are facing much longer delays,” he said.
He added that many patients are being forced to seek private treatment, often travelling to Dublin or Cork at significant personal cost due to the lack of local private dermatology services.
Cancer pathways under pressure
Despite the pressures, urgent pathways for suspected melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer are being maintained.
However, concerns remain around access for other forms of skin cancer, which also require timely assessment and treatment.
“There are efforts to protect the melanoma pathway, but other cancer cases are where delays are becoming a real concern,” Dr Byrne explained.
Call for national intervention and support
Dr Byrne has called for support from the wider HSE structure, suggesting that regional resources may need to be utilised to address the shortfall.
“We need support from further up the chain. This has been building for a long time and now requires urgent intervention,” he said.
Political response calls for urgent workforce plan
Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane has also raised concerns about the UHW dermatology waiting list crisis, calling for immediate action from Government and the HSE.
Deputy Cullinane said the situation reflects a broader failure to plan for healthcare staffing needs.
“This staffing crisis will present serious barriers for patients in Waterford and the South East,” he said.
He warned that the reduction in consultant numbers, potentially to just two, including one part-time, is far below what is required to meet demand.
“UHW should have at least five consultant dermatologists to meet clinical need in the region,” he added.
Concerns over increasing reliance on private care
Deputy Cullinane also highlighted concerns that patients are being pushed towards private healthcare due to lack of public capacity.
“It is not acceptable that GPs are now being told to find alternative care options for their patients,” he said.
“This will involve long travel times and will push more people into the private system simply because of poor planning.”
Growing urgency as staffing levels fall
With a consultant set to retire in the coming weeks, concerns are mounting that the UHW dermatology waiting list crisis could deepen further without immediate intervention.
Calls are now being made for a strategic workforce plan to ensure adequate staffing levels and to prevent further deterioration of services in the southeast.
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