Confusion over support for sleep disorder patients

Parents of children who developed a chronic sleep disorder after taking part in a State vaccination programme remained fearful last night that they could be forced to pay for out-of-pocket expenses despite reassurances from the HSE.

SOUND, the lobby group that represents the families, said statements from the HSE and the State Claims Agency appeared to contradict each other in terms of what expenses would be met by the State in the future.

The confusion arose after two women affected by narcolepsy went to the High Court yesterday seeking a judicial review of a HSE decision to end payments in respect of “any ongoing or future expenses incurred” associated with such a diagnosis.