New €18m Centre to Help People with Skin Problems

Irish people fighting diseases like skin cancer, eczema, psoriasis and acne are to benefit from a new €18m research centre at University College Dublin.

The facility is the largest single investment into dermatological research and training in Ireland. Named “The Charles Institute”, after Andrew Charles, the founder of the original skin hospital in Hume Street, it will be devoted to research in skin conditions and the training of health professionals in dermatology. It will be built on the UCD campus at Belfield.

Skin conditions are the 4th most common reason for GP visits in Ireland, making up 15% of all GP visits, yet most GPs in Ireland have had no formal training in dermatology.

“Most GPs in Ireland only learn about dermatology through exposure to skin disease in their daily practice. Even primary care nurses, 25% of whose caseload is patients with skin disease, have had no formal training programme in dermatology,” says Mr Peter O’Flanagan, Chair of the Board of the City of Dublin Skin and Cancer Hospital. “The Charles Institute will provide for the future training of all healthcare professionals dedicated to curing skin disease.”

Common skin diseases such as skin cancer, leg ulcers, and atopic eczema have increased steadily over the past 20 years in Ireland. It is estimated that up to 33% of the Irish population suffer from a dermatological condition at any one time.

“Chronic skin disease has a significant impact on quality of life for sufferers and their families. And although these conditions are not fatal, many patients are susceptible to disturbed body image, lack of confidence and depression,” said Dr Paul Collins, Consultant Dermatologist at St Vincent’s University Hospital.

Posted Tuesday 17th June 2008