Brendan Kenneally (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 413: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the lack of dermatology services in the south east; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that there is one dermatologist to cover the population of 460,000 people and the recommendations by Comhairle na nOspidéal in 2003 that there should be four dermatologists based in the south east; the steps she is taking to ensure the situation is improved in the short term particularly in view of the increasing incidence of skin cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37909/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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One of the guiding principles of the report by the former Comhairle na nOspidéal's Committee on Dermatology Services is that services should be equitable and patient-centred, with a strong emphasis on regional self-sufficiency and collaboration between primary and secondary care.

This is in line with the Government commitment to ensuring quality health services, delivered efficiently and effectively. Patient safety is paramount, so that people can have confidence in the services and that the best possible patient outcomes are achieved.

The HSE recognises that dermatology services in the HSE South East require further development. At present there is one consultant dermatologist working in the South East region. The dermatology service includes in-patient care where required; day cases and out-patient consultations. Outreach clinics are provided in Wexford, Kilkenny and Clonmel. In Waterford Regional Hospital, the dermatology services include a range of facilities including out-patient clinics, cryotherapy, minor surgery and nurse-led phototherapy services.

The HSE has identified the provision of a second consultant dermatology post among its priorities for development. This year I allocated funding to the HSE for demographic service pressures, and the HSE decided to prioritise posts in vascular surgery and orthopaedics in the South East. I am pleased to say that these posts were approved and are now being progressed.

The HSE is faced with difficult choices in delivering its services within the resources available. It will continue to keep the scope for further developments in dermatology services under consideration bearing in mind the funds it has available.

In line with the National Service Plan 2009 and its Transformation Programme, the HSE is at present undertaking a review which will inform the development of proposals for the future configuration of acute hospital services in the South. The arrangements for the delivery of dermatology services in the region must also be viewed in this context.