Children could get stem cell transplants in new Children’s Hospital instead of going to UK

Dr Máirín Ryan, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Health Technology Assessment, said: "Our assessment found that repatriation of stem cell transplants to Ireland would reduce the financial, logistical and emotional burden that these families face.” Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

The health watchdog has recommended children with rare diseases requiring bone marrow transplants who are currently sent to the UK could be treated in the new Children’s Hospital instead.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) found recruitment of specialised staff including nurses is needed to deal with the extra numbers. The hospital is not expected to open until late 2024 with speculation this week this may run into 2025.