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Roscommon University Hospital Safe Sun and Skin Awareness Campaign

Roscommon University Hospital Safe Sun and Skin Awareness Campaign

The Department of Plastic Surgery in Roscommon University Hospital recently hosted a very successful Safe Sun and Awareness Campaign. The aim of the campaign was to increase knowledge among patients, visitors and members of the public regarding the dangers of sun exposure, the benefits of sun protection and how to adopt safe sun practices prior to the holiday season. 

The NICE Guidelines for “Improving Outcomes for people with skin cancer including Melanoma” recommend that all patients and carers have access to high quality information.

Education leads to self-awareness and early intervention therefore reducing the number of fatalities and serious cases of skin cancer in the future. Skin cancer incidence and mortality rates are increased with age, however melanoma is disproportionately high in people under 35 (second most common cancer in age 15-34). Intermittent strong sun exposure is more damaging than moderate long term exposure in fact holiday sunburn once every 2 years can triple the risk of skin cancer.  esearch has shown 6:10 melanomas and 9:10 NMSC are caused by the sun. 80% of cases could be prevented through adoption of safe sun behaviour from childhood to adulthood (Cancer Research U.K 2013).

Virtually all the risk comes from over exposure to sunlight and you can be 'Sun Smart' by following these practical sun safety measures:

Wear protective clothing such as a shirt with sleeves and high collars, a wide brimmed hat that protects the ears, nose and back of the neck, and wearing sunglasses;

  • Apply a lip balm with a high SPF to protect the lips;
  • Apply a high protection sunscreen (at least SPF 15) 20 minutes before going outside and re-applying the sunscreen every two hours;
  • Re-apply the sunscreen after getting wet, after perspiring or after towelling off; and
  • If at all possible, avoid being in the midday sun from 11am to 3pm.
  • Taking these simple measures can significantly reduce the chances of developing skin cancers in the future.

During the campaign, staff from the Department of Plastic Surgery provided high quality, evidence-based information on preventative measures, safe sun practices and timely recognition of skin cancers All participants received information leaflets and La Roche Posay UV sun protection samples.

The campaign was initiated and launched by Bernie Finneran, Amanda O’ Halloran, Bernadette Mc Tague and other key nursing staff in the Department of Plastic Surgery in Roscommon University Hospital as well as Ms Deirdre Jones, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Ms Jackie O`Connor from La Roche Posay who kindly sponsored the event.

Photo caption

Photo 1  - Marie Doorly, I/General Manager; Anne Concannon, Accounts Department; Michelle Burke, Inpatient Waiting Office; Nora Kelly, Student Nurse; Martina McDermott, Clerical Officer, Plastics Department; Anne Marie Belton, Clerical Officer, Outpatients Department; Jackie O’Connor, La Roche Posay; Dr. Deirdre Jones, Consultant Plastic Surgeon; Marian Rice, Catering Department; Bernie Carthy, Staff Nurse; Amanda O’Halloran, Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Helen Hunt, Catering Department.

Photo 2 - Bernie Carthy, Staff Nurse; Jackie O’Connor, La Roche Posay; Dr. Deirdre Jones, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Amanda O’Halloran, Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

 

 

The article above is specific to the following Saolta hospitals:: 
Roscommon University Hospital (RUH)