THE LAUNCH of a new dermatology outreach clinic at Bantry General Hospital (BGH) will be of assistance to people in west Cork and south Kerry with chronic skin conditions, according to the consultant involved in the service.
Dr Michelle Murphy, consultant dermatologist, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital and Cork University Hospital, said the new clinic, operated on a fortnightly basis, would improve access to treatment.
“The hub of the service will remain at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, but Bantry will allow us to provide a better service to west Cork and south Kerry,” Dr Murphy said.
“The service will focus on people with chronic conditions – severe eczema, psoriasis and acne – who need ongoing treatment and for whom travelling to Cork city is hugely demanding.” She said skin conditions such as chronic psoriasis can affect 2-5 per cent of the population.
“Treatment options have improved considerably and we are pleased that, through the establishment of this service, treatment is more accessible.
“We’re hopeful next year of introducing a phototherapy unit at Bantry where people can receive UV treatment, often an effective treatment for conditions such a psoriasis,” she said.
Manager of BGH, Eleanor O’Donovan, welcomed the outreach clinic, which will be held fortnightly on Monday mornings and is due to be officially launched later this year.