Not a single dermatologist available to people of Kilkenny: TD

THERE isn’t a single dermatologist in Kilkenny or neighbouring Carlow to provide vital health services for the people of the constituency, according to local TD Bobby Aylward.

The Kilkenny TD called on the Health Minister Simon Harris to “act urgently to ensure a consultant dermatologist is put in place for the people of Carlow and Kilkenny”.

Deputy Aylward spoke out as information received by Fianna Fáil showed that the only consultant dermatologist who provided services out of St Luke’s Hospital resigned last year.

Deputy Aylward said: “A consultant dermatologist had been providing an outreach dermatology clinic on a weekly basis to St Luke’s from St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin. In 2018, that consultant resigned and since then the post has remained vacant with absolutely no dermatology services in place.

“To make matters worse, patients from Carlow and Kilkenny are expected to travel to St. Vincent’s for any appointments and to get treatment. I believe this shows a complete disregard for the people of Carlow and Kilkenny.

“To leave the position vacant for so long further serves to demonstrate how the people of Carlow and Kilkenny simply aren’t a priority for the Government. I am calling on the Minister for Health to ensure that a permanent dermatologist is put in place as quickly as possible, the people of Carlow and Kilkenny deserve better.”