Cancer patients in Donegal and across the North West and West of Ireland may lose access to crucial non-invasive cancer surgeries, after the surgeon carrying out the procedures resigned from his role.
Paul Carroll announced his registration from his role as a Upper GI Cancer Surgeon at University Hospital Galway this week, citing frustrations with hospital management as part of his decision.
Carroll helped to establish a Minimally Invasive Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer Programme at the hospital, allowing for special non-invasive cancer surgeries, Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) and the only surgeon-delivered Endoscopic Ultrasound/Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection programme for early Esophageal and Gastric cancers in the Republic of Ireland.
The future of these Upper GI cancer services for patients in the West and North West has now been thrown into severe doubt, as they would require a suitably qualified surgeon to take them over if they are to continue.
Many Donegal patients are often forced to make journeys to Galway or further afield as such specialised cancer services cannot be provided in the county.
Announcing his resignation on social media, Carroll said that “there will now be no one in the entire west/northwest of Ireland performing these types of cancer surgeries in their minimally invasive forms.”
“I love what I do. It has been a privilege to be invited to care for people with some of the worst types of cancers. I am grateful for the amazing nurses and allied healthcare teams that I have worked with to care for my patients.”
“I will be moving to Sligo to work as a General Surgeon. I will not be permitted to treat the cancers I have spent 15 years training towards and 5 years practising as a Consultant Surgeon. This is my choice so I can be home with my family,” Carroll said.
“Temporary solutions in Galway have been explored but in reality they kick the can down the road and they don’t solve the systemic issues. I have no answers as to what happens next for Upper GI Cancer Care in the west and this saddens me. Any inquiries need to be directed to hospital management.”
