Histopathology Services restored at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda

News that histopathology services for primary care surgical procedures at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital (OLOL), Drogheda have been reinstated, following months of concern among patients, GPs, and community healthcare providers, has been welcomed today by Louth Fine Gael TD, Paula Butterly.

Deputy Butterly welcomed the news saying, “I’d like to acknowledge the crucial role of my colleague Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health, her close engagement and timely intervention were central to achieving this outcome.”

The Fine Gael TD explained that the restoration of this "essential diagnostic service marks a significant step forward in ensuring safe, timely, and equitable access to skin surgery and biopsy services in the community".

Histopathological examination is a core component of best‑practice surgical care, allowing for prompt diagnosis of conditions including skin cancer and enabling GPs to continue providing high‑quality minor surgical procedures close to patients’ homes.

Deputy Butterly acknowledged the efforts of the community GPs, and welcomed the hospital’s decision as an important victory for patient safety, fairness, and common sense.

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“This is a very positive development for patients across the region. The reinstatement of histopathology access ensures that appropriately trained GPs can continue delivering safe, timely procedures in the community. It reduces pressure on already stretched hospital waiting lists and ensures patients receive care in the right place at the right time.”

The return of the service also aligns with national healthcare policy, Deputy Butterly added, including the principles of Sláintecare and the HSE’s strategic commitment to strengthening diagnostic support for primary and community care.

Deputy Butterly noted that the decision helps prevent avoidable delays in diagnosis, reduces unnecessary referrals to secondary care, and supports efficient use of health service resources.

“Withdrawing this service was neither safe nor sustainable. I am pleased that patient welfare has been prioritised and that GPs can once again rely on timely histopathology reporting to support high‑quality care.”