Staffing shortages have led to the closure of paediatric dermatology services at University Hospital Kerry (UHK).
HSE South West has confirmed that demand for dermatology services is now greater than the available resources.
As a result, GPs in Kerry have been advised to refer children to specialist skin consultants in Dublin.
In a letter to GPs, the HSE said ten consultant paediatric dermatologists practise within the Children’s Health Ireland group, which operates across four hospitals in the capital.
In a statement to Radio Kerry News, HSE South West said outpatient dermatology services for adults and children continue at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH), Cork University Hospital (CUH), Mallow General Hospital, University Hospital Kerry (UHK), and Bantry General Hospital.
However, these hospitals are not currently accepting new paediatric referrals due to overall demand pressures.
Families are being advised to seek referrals to Children’s Health Ireland for the time being.
Adult dermatology services remain unaffected.
HSE South West acknowledged that travelling for treatment can be difficult for families and said it is working to recruit additional specialist staff to stabilise and expand paediatric capacity in the south west.
A proposal has been submitted to create several key posts in Cork and Kerry, including a consultant paediatric dermatologist and a dermatology clinical nurse specialist.
The HSE said this would improve access, reduce waiting times, support increasingly complex care needs, including genetic testing, and enhance children’s dermatology services in the region.
It added that it remains committed to providing paediatric dermatology services across Cork and Kerry.
