Urgent action needed to restore Mayo mammogram service

MINISTER of State Alan Dillon is once again highlighting the critical need to restore mammography services at Mayo University Hospital (MUH).

Despite previous engagements with the HSE, the service remains unavailable locally, forcing women in Mayo to travel to Galway for essential breast cancer surveillance care.

This situation is unacceptable and demands immediate attention, he said.

In a recent update from the HSE, Minister Dillon was informed that a clinical specialist radiographer has been appointed but will not commence duties until March 1, 2026.

While this appointment is welcome, the minister stressed that Mayo cannot wait until March for this critical service to resume.

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

The minister has urged the HSE to provide interim cover immediately for the two-month gap leading up to March and to explore all options, including temporary agency staff and additional support from BreastCheck, to ensure clinics resume in Mayo.

“I have raised this issue repeatedly with the HSE locally. It is unacceptable that Mayo patients are left without this essential service. Furthermore, we will require contingency cover for the clinical specialist role going forward to ensure this situation does not arise again,” he added.

Patients are currently being offered appointments at University Hospital Galway as an interim measure.

Minister Dillon confirmed he will maintain ongoing engagement with Mayo HSE to ensure this service is restored.