The HSE has agreed to cover the administration costs of a therapy known to slow the progression of genetic emphysema — after a second patient with the condition died.

A number of patients with genetic emphysema who are unable to access vital medicine because of a row over administration costs are at major risk of hospitalisation, their doctor has warned.

7am: Our two-year-old is better than any alarm and after breakfast and some PAW Patrol, I head for the crèche and then to work in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, (RCSI) Smurfit building at Beaumont Hospital.

6.30am