County Hospital donates sunscreen dispensers to GAA to promote skin cancer awareness
Roscommon University Hospital has donated sunscreen dispensers to Roscommon GAA – Roscommon Gaels and Dr Hyde Park to help raise awareness around skin cancer prevention. Picture shows Bernie Finneran, advanced nurse practitioner skin cancer, Roscommon University Hospital; Marie Doorly, interim hospital manager; Conor Carroll, Roscommon senior football team; Ultan Harney, Roscommon senior football team; Dr Deirdre Jones, consultant plastic surgeon, Roscommon University Hospital; Keith Doyle, Roscommon senior football Team and Ursula Morgan, director of nursing, Roscommon University Hospital.
Sunscreen dispensers have been donated by Roscommon University Hospital to Roscommon GAA, Roscommon Gaels and Dr Hyde Park to help raise awareness around skin cancer prevention.
The initiative, to coincide with Melanoma Awareness Month, which runs throughout May, aims to encourage regular sunscreen use among players, particularly during the summer months when UV exposure is at its highest.
Bernie Finneran, advanced nurse practitioner in skin cancer at Roscommon University Hospital, stressed the importance of sun protection. “Approximately 1,290 people are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer each year in Ireland. It is very important that everyone uses a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen-SPF 30+ for adults and SPF 50+ for children that has a high UVA protection and is water resistant.” Each dispenser includes a UV index display to provide real-time information about UV radiation levels.
“In Ireland, the UV index is usually three or higher from April to September, even when it’s cloudy and therefore daily sun protection is essential, regardless of the weather,” added Bernie.
The sunscreen dispensers have been installed in the dressing rooms at both Roscommon Gaels and Dr Hyde Park, with the goal of making sun safety a routine part of outdoor sports and community activity.
Brian Carroll, Chairperson of the Roscommon GAA County Board said that they were “delighted to assist in raising awareness of skin cancer prevention to coincide with Melanoma Awareness Month. I would encourage all players in all our clubs to wear sunscreen at all times but especially during the summer months when UV is at its highest in our country.”
