Skin cancer rates in Ireland have almost doubled over the past two decades, placing increasing pressure on healthcare services nationwide. To address this growing demand, Roscommon University Hospital has successfully implemented an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)-led see-and-treat skin cancer service, providing patients with same-day assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Established in June 2023, the innovative clinic streamlines care by allowing ANPs to assess, biopsy, and excise suspicious lesions under local anaesthetic during a single visit. In its first year, over 760 patients were seen, with 134 cancers diagnosed and treated, achieving a 94% histological clearance rate.
This efficient, patient-centred model has significantly reduced waiting times and improved outcomes, highlighting the vital role of ANPs in delivering timely, high-quality, and accessible care for patients with skin cancer. Following its success, the service has now expanded to operate two days per week.
Read the full article about this excellent service published in the Medical Independent (14/10/2025) for more details on how ANPs are transforming skin cancer management in Ireland. https://www.medicalindependent.ie/clinical-news/introducing-an-anp-led-service-for-skin-cancer/?utm_source=brevo&utm_campaign=Medical%20Independent%2014th%20October&utm_medium=email
