'Unacceptable' that Mayo women ‘forced to go to Galway’ for essential service

Women in County Mayo are being forced to travel to Galway for essential breast cancer screening as mammography services at Mayo University Hospital remain suspended, prompting renewed calls for immediate action from a government minister.

Minister of State Alan Dillon TD has intensified pressure on the Health Service Executive to restore the vital diagnostic service, warning that the current situation is placing an unacceptable burden on patients and their families.

In a recent update, the HSE informed Minister Dillon that a Clinical Specialist Radiographer has been appointed to the position but will not begin work until 1st March 2026. While welcoming the appointment, the minister emphasized that the 14-month wait is too long for such a critical service.

"Women in Mayo deserve local access to mammography services," Minister Dillon said. "Redirecting patients to other counties places an unnecessary burden on families and risks delays in early detection, which is vital for saving lives."

The minister is now calling on the HSE to provide immediate interim cover for the two-month period leading up to March and to explore all available options, including temporary agency staff and additional support from BreastCheck, the national breast screening program.

Patients requiring mammograms are currently being offered appointments at University Hospital Galway as a temporary measure, requiring them to make the journey from Mayo for procedures that were previously available locally.

"I have raised this issue repeatedly with the HSE locally," Minister Dillon added. "Furthermore, we will require contingency cover for the Clinical Specialist role going forward to ensure this situation does not arise again."

The minister confirmed he will continue engaging with Mayo HSE management to ensure the service is restored as quickly as possible.

Early detection through mammography is considered crucial in treating breast cancer successfully, making timely access to screening services a significant public health priority.