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19 Mar 2026

Reinstatement of histopathology services "will bring real relief to GPs and patients" in Louth

Histopathology services for GP submitted specimens are to be reinstated at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda

Reinstatement of histopathology services "will bring real relief to GPs and patients" in Louth

(L-R): Dr Kieran McCabe - GP Wicklow, and committee member of PCSA, Senator Alison Comyn, Dr Sylvia McKenna - GP in Dundalk, Erin McGreehan TD, Dr Niall Maguire - GP Navan and committee member of PCSA

Reporter:

Donard McCabe

19 Mar 2026 1:30 PM

The reinstatement of histopathology services for GP submitted specimens at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda "will bring real relief to GPs and patients" in the region, Louth Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan has said, and that enabling GPs "to carry out procedures locally leads to shorter waiting times, lower costs, and better outcomes for patients".
Deputy McGreehan was speaking on Wednesday following the news of the decision, while hosting a campaign event in Leinster House with the Primary Care Surgical Association calling for the reinstatement of histopathology services for GPs.
Deputy McGreehan said she received confirmation from the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, and from the office of An Taoiseach Micheál Martin that the service will be restored, and added that the hospital will shortly issue correspondence to GPs outlining the restored access.
This development follows the withdrawal of access to the hospital’s histopathology laboratory in early 2025, which prevented GPs from sending certain specimens, including skin biopsies, for analysis. The decision primarily affected patients without medical cards and was introduced without consultation with GPs or representative bodies.
The removal of this service meant many patients had to be referred to hospital consultants, often outside the region, for procedures that were previously carried out safely in primary care. Deputy McGreehan said that this would have created delays in diagnosis, increased pressure on already stretched hospital services, and added unnecessary stress for patients.
Welcoming the confirmation, Deputy McGreehan said: “This is very welcome news and will bring real relief to GPs and patients across the region.
“The previous decision risked delays in diagnosing serious conditions such as skin cancer. It placed unnecessary pressure on hospital waiting lists and created avoidable stress for patients. It was a misguided measure and it is right that it has now been reversed.
“GPs play a vital role in delivering safe and effective surgical care in the community. Enabling them to carry out procedures locally leads to shorter waiting times, lower costs, and better outcomes for patients.
“When it comes to serious conditions, time is critical. Restoring this service ensures patients can access care quickly and in the right setting.
“This decision reflects the principles of Sláintecare, delivering the right care, at the right time, in the right place.”

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