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Irish Haemophilia Society – Bonding people through blood.

The Irish Haemophilia Society was established in 1968 and has provided assistance and support to people with haemophilia, von Willebrand’s disease, or other uncommon bleeding disorders. Working out of New Street in Dublin 8, the society has brought together and provided well needed support for people of all ages battling against these disorders.   

Haemophilia is a bleeding disorder that is typically inherited and causes problems with blood clotting.  Those with bleeding issues receive comprehensive care using a multidisciplinary approach. Hundreds of Irish patients receive care from a variety of medical specialists who focus on various areas of their care to improve treatment management and results.  

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly recently spoke at the launch of World Haemophilia Day and recalled a scandal from the 1990s, when haemophiliacs and others were given blood products infected with hepatitis C.

“Since the publication of the Lindsay Tribunal Report 20 years ago, Ireland has come a long way to ensure quality treatment options for patients. Today, we remember all those haemophilia patients who were impacted and their families. Awareness days such as this help us to raise further awareness and educate people about this rare disease.

“I would like to commend the work of the Irish Haemophilia Society, The National Haemophilia Council, the HPSMAB and the haemophilia treatment centres for their continuous hard work and dedication in providing quality care for those living with haemophilia to improve quality of life for all affected,” Donnelly said.

In Ireland, there are three comprehensive care centres and have earned certification as European Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centres (EHCCC): 

  • The National Coagulation Centre (NCC) in St. James’s Hospital in Dublin
  • The Coagulation centre in Cork University Hospital (CUH)
  • Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin

These facilities provide patients with bleeding disorders with all-encompassing care, including long-term management of mild, moderate, and sever bleeding disorders as well as investigation and diagnosis.  

Shannon Carey, who has been a volunteer with the Irish Haemophilia Society for seven years, said the society is “so important to the surrounding locality of The Liberties but also the entirety of Ireland. People love the support and having the community backing us is huge.  

“Volunteers are so so important and we feel like we have taken on a role and a position of trust with everyone that come into the centre.” 

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