Following a campaign led by Galway Senator Pauline O’Reilly, funding has been announced for scalp-cooling technology aimed at preventing hair loss during cancer treatment.
Senator O’Reilly informed the Connacht Tribune that Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, confirmed to her that as a result of a motion she introduced in the Seanad, the technology, which offers an optional treatment for individuals undergoing chemotherapy, would be funded for oncology centers nationwide.
Previously, University Hospital Galway and Portiuncula in Ballinasloe were among several locations where cold caps were not available to patients. However, both hospitals’ oncology units can now access funding from the Department of Health.
Senator O’Reilly proposed a motion in the Seanad late last year, describing the unavailability of the service to cancer patients in Galway as unfair and emphasizing that providing the service was relatively inexpensive.
“I’m delighted to confirm that the Minister contacted me this week to say that the service would be funded at all hospitals. Galway had been particularly poorly served as it wasn’t in UHG or Portiuncula,” she said, adding that it had been a “postcode lottery” as the treatment was available in a number of hospitals on the east coast.
Each unit, capable of treating two individuals simultaneously, has an approximate procurement cost of €20,000. Since it is intended for those already undergoing chemotherapy, there is “no significant need for additional personnel.”
Senator O’Reilly, also the Green Party candidate in the European Elections for Midlands-North West, stated that the funding would be promptly accessible to all hospitals. It would then be the responsibility of the hospitals to utilize the funding as soon as possible.
“Losing your hair through cancer treatments is often one of the most difficult side effects that people have to deal with. “For many people, and women in particular, their hair is an important part of who they are and retaining it can help them retain their dignity during a very difficult time,” said Senator O’Reilly.
“When given the option, many people will choose to use the cold cap treatment so it is excellent news that now they can have that option”.
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