Cork University Hospital’s €20,000 Hair Loss Prevention Machine Not Operational

Cork University Hospital (CUH) has a €20,000 machine designed to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy, but it is currently not operational due to staffing and training issues. This machine, known as a cold cap or scalp-cooling machine, is intended to chill the scalp, thereby reducing blood flow to hair follicles and helping to minimize hair loss during treatment.

In June 2023, then Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced that CUH was one of seven hospitals in Ireland that would provide this scalp-cooling service. Despite the machine being in place within the oncology service, a spokesperson for the Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed that it is not yet in use.

The Echo reported that the HSE is currently working on the necessary staffing and training requirements to make the service operational. “Work is underway to support the introduction of this service, including staffing and training requirements. The service will become operational once the required training is completed,” the spokesperson stated.

In a response to a parliamentary question from Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, a Sinn Féin TD representing Cork South Central, it was clarified that the cold cap machine is not available for use. A healthcare assistant has been appointed to manage the service and is undergoing the recruitment process. “Once the healthcare assistant commences in post, all necessary training will be provided, and then the cold cap/scalp-cooling machine will become operational,” the spokesperson added.

Ó Laoghaire has expressed concern over the delay in providing this service, highlighting the emotional and physical toll of chemotherapy on women with cancer. He remarked that hair loss can significantly affect the well-being of patients, stating, “Chemotherapy on women with cancer takes an enormous toll, in so, so many ways. Hair loss is one of those significant tolls, and if it can be avoided, as it can in some instances, it should.”

He criticized the situation, calling it unacceptable that the service is not available due to a lack of training. “It seems an incredible waste,” he said. “The women who have spoken to me are at pains to say that the staff are fantastic and do all they can, and plainly it is not their fault that the HSE and the CUH have not provided the requisite training.”

Ó Laoghaire further emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that responses to questions in the Dáil indicated that the service was intended to be rolled out by 2023. “So we need answers — was it ever rolled out? If it was, when did it stop? What was the last time it was used? I have asked the minister for answers to these questions.”

The TD stressed that cancer is a devastating disease that imposes various hardships, including illness, fatigue, stress, and worry. He believes women should have the right to retain their hair during treatment if it is possible. “It won’t always be possible, but if hair loss can be prevented, at least the person should have the right to decide,” he stated.

As CUH works to resolve the staffing and training delays, many patients and advocates await the operational launch of this vital service. The ability to use a cold cap could significantly enhance the quality of life for those undergoing chemotherapy, making the process a little less daunting.