Minister for Health, Simon Harris T.D. has today marked World Haemophilia Day (Wednesday April 17th).
He said:
Ireland can be very proud of the level of care provided to people with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders in Ireland. The services provided in our three Comprehensive Care Centres - the National Coagulation Centre in St. James’ Hospital in Dublin, the Coagulation Centre in Cork University Hospital, and Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin – is viewed internationally as amongst the best in the world.
Since 1989, the 17th of April has been recognised as “World Haemophilia Day”, to raise awareness and bring understanding and attention to the issues related to haemophilia and other bleeding disorders to the wider public.
The theme of this year’s World Haemophilia Day is “Reaching Out – the first step to care”. The Irish Haemophilia Society, in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, is celebrating World Haemophilia Day with a symposium entitled “Haemophilia – The Future is Now: New Approaches to an Ancient Condition”.
Minister Harris noted the contribution of the National Haemophilia Council to the development of haemophilia care in Ireland.
He paid tribute to the achievements of Dr Barry Harrington, who will shortly step down as Chair of the Council after eight years in the role.
Minister Harris said:
The high degree of co-operation and partnership between the National Haemophilia Council, clinicians and patient organisations, and their proactive collaboration with the HSE and Department of Health, is a major factor in Ireland’s success in providing quality treatment of haemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
He also praised the tireless work done by the Irish Haemophilia Society in creating a positive and supportive community for people with haemophilia and their families.
Minister Harris stated:
In line with this year’s theme, I would like to encourage anybody living with a bleeding disorder to seek treatment from the health services and to reach out to the Irish Haemophilia Society and become part of that community.
A number of buildings in both Dublin and Cork which will be illuminated in red this evening to mark Word Haemophilia Day including Liberty Hall, The Dublin Convention Centre, the Mansion House, Smithfield Square, St. Stephens Green Shopping Centre City Hall, The Civic Offices at Wood Quay and in Cork, Cork City Hall and Capital Building Cork.