CONJOINED TWINS born to a couple living in Cork were yesterday described as being “medically very well”.
The two boys were born six weeks ago at University College Hospital in London, and were transferred to Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) a few weeks ago.
Their parents have issued a statement through the HSE in which they appealed for privacy and said they wanted to enjoy their time with their children prior to them undergoing separation this year at Great Ormond Street.
“We are issuing a statement now because we feel the time is right to announce the twins’ birth. We are very proud of our two little boys, and we feel blessed by their arrival six weeks ago.
“. . . Presently, they are feeding well and gaining weight. We are planning for the boys to come home soon, and we are asking the media and the public to let us enjoy this special time with our ‘two little fighters’ before their separation later this year,” the parents said.
The HSE statement did not identify where the twins are conjoined.
Consultant paediatric surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Cork-born Edward Kiely said it was hoped to separate the twins later this year.
“The surgical team here is the most experienced in Europe at assessing and, if necessary, separating conjoined twins,” he said.
The case involved close liaison between CUMH and University College Hospital in London once it became apparent from scans that the mother was carrying conjoined twins.
“Both boys are medically very well, taking their feeds and gaining weight. The neonatal team in Cork is working closely with the family and Great Ormond Street Hospital with the boys’ treatment and clinical care,” said a HSE South spokeswoman.
The boys’ parents paid tribute to staff in all three hospitals. “We would also like to thank our family and friends who have helped us through such a difficult time and let them know just how much we appreciate their ongoing support.”
The survival rate at Great Ormond Street Hospital for planned separations where the children are stable and separation can be done at a suitable time is 80 per cent and under these circumstances both usually survive and have a good quality of life.