One in five dermatology patients waiting more than three years

More than one in five dermatology patients in the HSE West and North West region are waiting more than three years to be seen.

At a HSE West Regional Health Forum, the HSE said it acknowledges the importance of timely access to dermatology services, particularly for patients with suspected skin cancer. It added that demand for dermatology services, including skin cancers, continued to exceed available capacity across the region.

As of June 2026, the dermatology waiting list for Galway University Hospitals stood at 4,326. At Portiuncula University Hospital the waiting list was 343 and for Mayo University Hospital it was 674. Roscommon patients were referred mainly to GUH for dermatology services, the HSE said.

“While the largest proportion of patients (42%) are waiting less than six months, over 37% of patients have been waiting longer than 12 months, with a notable cohort waiting between 24 and 36 months which is outside the Sláintecare targets. Waiting times vary depending on clinical priority and capacity constraints.” Cllr Dr Evelyn Francis Parson, who had sought the information, said she was concerned that one third of patients were waiting more than 12 months, and more than 21% of patients were waiting longer than 36 months.

She noted the number of initiatives that were underway “but we can’t get away from the waiting times”.

“They must be far outside the national targets,” the independent councillor added. “When does the HSE expect to eliminate waiting times over 36 months.” Hospital manager, Galway University Hospitals, Chris Kane said seven dermatologists were in post in the service but there had been challenges in recruitment.

“We have visiting clinics that go out to Ballinasloe and other areas. We are specifically looking at patients who are waiting over two years and 36 months because clearly they are outside the norm.” She added that dermatology was among a number of specialties with long waiting lists.

Cllr Parsons said that the public were being advised to take care of their skin, particularly during the hot spells, “but at the same time our services are not responsive enough”.

“We need to be aware of the messages were sending out, the expectations were giving people and the services we’re providing,” she continued.