Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue. I fully appreciate how sickle cell disease and thalassemia can place a substantial medical, social and financial burden on patients and their carers.

There are some positive developments in terms of services for children but more needs to be done in the transition for adults. Children can access services provided by Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin Hospital which, I know, the Deputy will be familiar with. The centre at Crumlin is supported by a multidisciplinary team and it is now designated as an expert centre for haemoglobin and red cell disorders. A priority for the HSE this year is to further advance the non-malignant haematology service at CHI Crumlin. That is very welcome. In support of these services, the HSE currently reimburses a number of medicines under the community drugs schemes. I am further advised that a number of new therapies are in development for the diseases. I would very much like to see those coming on stream as soon as possible, if they are proven to be clinically effective.

All of that is good news. However, more work needs to be done. I am advised by the HSE that the transition of patients over the age of 16 to adult services is a challenge due to capacity at St. James’s Hospital. There are some real challenges there. To address this issue, a business case is under consideration with HSE leadership to further increase capacity at St. James's to meet the growing demand. I will ask the HSE for a speedy consideration of that business case so that we can begin to see improvements in access to services not just for children but for adult patients as they transition to St. James's Hospital.

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