Latest news with #AHR
Irish Examiner
30-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
'It gives people that extra chance': Couple welcome opportunity to get second round of free IVF
A couple who previously had one unsuccessful round of the State's free IVF treatment scheme have spoken of their hope they can be included among those who can get a second round, thanks to the latest Government announcement on the scheme. On Monday, the Government announced couples who already have a child and meet all other access criteria for the publicly funded assisted human reproduction treatment will be eligible for a free treatment plan. It will include one full cycle of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Siobháin O'Reilly and her husband Dean from Co Donegal have been married for five years and have no children. They previously spoke to the Irish Examiner about their IVF journey and infertility after trying to get pregnant since they got married, but without success. 'Unfortunately, we did get pregnant, and unfortunately, we miscarried four times," said Siobháin, aged 30. 'We had a lot of tests done to get to the bottom of it. It's been very difficult at times.' The couple had their first round of IVF treatment in 2024 on the public scheme. Doctors successfully retrieved 13 eggs recently, but unfortunately only one survived. They now want to try IVF treatment for a second time, in the hope they will be successful. Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said since the publicly funded assisted human reproduction (AHR) has so far seen 2,500 couples being referred by reproductive specialist consultants here. While the O'Reilly's have not had any children, they said they would apply for the treatment as they believe they meet much of the criteria. 'We will apply for it and see how it goes' said Siobhain. 'No matter what, it is a great thing to have the second round available because it gives people that extra chance. 'We have not been successful yet, but we retrieved 13 eggs recently, one has only survived, which was such a shame. 'We are now undergoing tests for immunity to see do I need to change my medication. IVF is a big commitment, but at least there is a chance for people trying for a baby because the money is a lot. It would have cost us around €4,500 upwards, but there are also lots of extra tests too and consultant fees. 'Our journey started in January 2024, we have to do our injections every day and then travel from Buncrana to Co Kildare to the clinic in Clane. There is a lot to do. 'We are trying to manage your jobs as well. You could be booked for a Monday, but they might want to push those injections out to another day, and you have to try and juggle everything.' Siobhain said they meet the criteria in terms of being resident in Ireland, they have been referred by a consultant, and they have had a previous IVF cycle. But they have not had a successful round of IVF and have no children. 'If we are not successful receiving the funds, things might change further down the road' The last baby the couple lost was in October 2023, at seven weeks. "It was very challenging, so we had more tests done, and it revealed I only had one kidney and a unicornuate uterus," said Siobháin. The Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 was signed into law in July last year. A supplementary bill to deal with issues such as parentage and citizenship in surrogacy arrangements as well as donor-assisted conception is also being worked on. Speaking on Monday Ms MacNeill ad: 'We are making significant progress in relation to AHR legislation, and formal drafting of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) (Amendment) Bill is nearing completion. 'One critical piece in the AHR jigsaw is the establishment of a regulatory authority. Good progress has been made in relation to the establishment of the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority.'
Irish Examiner
30-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Couples experiencing secondary infertility eligible for free fertility treatment
Couples experiencing secondary infertility will be eligible for free fertility treatment including IVF in a Government-funded scheme, the health minister has confirmed. From Monday, couples who already have a child but meet all other access criteria can access publicly funded assisted human reproduction treatment. This includes one full cycle of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill announced updated access criteria, saying: 'Since we introduced publicly funded assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatment in September 2023, close to 2,500 couples have been referred by reproductive specialist consultants, and many have achieved their dream of starting a family. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Niall Carson/PA) 'Fertility issues can be devastating, and I am conscious that secondary infertility is a significant issue, with many people facing huge financial and emotional difficulties in their attempts to have a second child. 'I have listened to the requests from parents in this difficult situation, and I am pleased that we are now in a position to make this potentially life-changing treatment available to more people. 'With effect from June 30 2025, the current access criteria will be extended to include couples with one existing child in their relationship.' She said work is under way to progress the legislation and establish a regulatory authority. The Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 was signed into law by in July last year. A supplementary Bill to deal with issues such as parentage and citizenship in surrogacy arrangements as well as donor-assisted conception is also being worked on. Ms MacNeill added: 'We are making significant progress in relation to AHR legislation, and formal drafting of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) (Amendment) Bill is nearing completion. 'Officials at my department are working closely with officials at the Department of Justice and the Department of Children to finalise the Bill. Intensive work is under way to publish this legislation as soon as is practical. 'One critical piece in the AHR jigsaw is the establishment of a regulatory authority. Good progress has been made in relation to the establishment of the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority.'
BreakingNews.ie
30-06-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Couples experiencing secondary infertility eligible for free IVF treatment
Couples experiencing secondary infertility will be eligible for free fertility treatment including IVF in a Government-funded scheme, the Minister for Health has confirmed. From Monday, couples who already have a child but meet all other access criteria can access publicly funded assisted human reproduction treatment. Advertisement This includes one full cycle of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill announced updated access criteria, saying: 'Since we introduced publicly funded assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatment in September 2023, close to 2,500 couples have been referred by reproductive specialist consultants, and many have achieved their dream of starting a family. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. Photo: Niall Carson/PA 'Fertility issues can be devastating, and I am conscious that secondary infertility is a significant issue, with many people facing huge financial and emotional difficulties in their attempts to have a second child. 'I have listened to the requests from parents in this difficult situation, and I am pleased that we are now in a position to make this potentially life-changing treatment available to more people. Advertisement 'With effect from June 30th, 2025, the current access criteria will be extended to include couples with one existing child in their relationship.' She said work is under way to progress the legislation and establish a regulatory authority. The Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 was signed into law by in July last year. A supplementary Bill to deal with issues such as parentage and citizenship in surrogacy arrangements as well as donor-assisted conception is also being worked on. Advertisement Entertainment Katie Price ends IVF journey feeling 'exhausted' w... Read More Ms MacNeill added: 'We are making significant progress in relation to AHR legislation, and formal drafting of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) (Amendment) Bill is nearing completion. 'Officials at my department are working closely with officials at the Department of Justice and the Department of Children to finalise the Bill. Intensive work is under way to publish this legislation as soon as is practical. 'One critical piece in the AHR jigsaw is the establishment of a regulatory authority. Good progress has been made in relation to the establishment of the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority.'
Irish Independent
30-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
State-funded fertility treatment extended to include couples with one child
The criteria for accessing a state-funded cycle of IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have been expanded to include couples with one child. Previously, only couples with no children were eligible for the Assisted Human Reproduction treatment scheme – to which around 2,500 couples have been referred since it was introduced almost two years ago. 'Fertility issues can be devastating, and I am conscious that secondary infertility is a significant issue, with many people facing huge financial and emotional difficulties in their attempts to have a second child,' Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said. 'I have listened to the requests from parents in this difficult situation, and I am pleased that we are now in a position to make this potentially life-changing treatment available to more people.' A woman is eligible for the state-funded treatment if she has not had IVF, has had just one round of privately funded IVF before and has no unused embryos still in storage or started tests for IVF but has not started taking IVF medicine. An Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) Regulatory Authority will soon be established, with a recruitment campaign currently under way for the chief executive of the organisation. 'The recent campaign for appointment to state boards has now closed and suitable candidates have been identified. I hope to be in a position to make appointments to the board very soon,' Ms Carroll MacNeill said. The minister said 'significant progress' is being made in relation to AHR legislation. 'Officials at my department are working closely with officials at the Department of Justice and the Department of Children to finalise the bill. Intensive work is under way to publish this legislation as soon as is practical,' she said. A spokesperson for the Department of Health said work on a supplementary bill to deal with issues such as parentage and citizenship in respect of surrogacy arrangements and donor-assisted conception is also under way.
The National
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Local heroes bringing hospital radio to Ayrshire for over 70 years
Ayr Hospital Radio (AHR) began broadcasting in 1953 and has provided more than seven decades of songs and chat of all styles for its listeners – and like many others, is serving up important entertainment and opportunities to this day. Plus, as another jingle adds, you'll find something to enjoy 'even if you're not in hospital'. From the home of Ayr United Football Club, Somerset Park, volunteer-led live matchday commentaries have been relayed to the local hospital hubs in South Ayrshire alongside scheduled shows of music ranging from soul, latest hits and classic favourites. READ MORE: Labour have 'given up' on by-election amid SNP-Reform contest, says John Swinney AHR chair John O'Donnell says that the running of this radio station is 'tailored to the needs of their listeners'. 'This service helps alleviate loneliness and anxiety, creating a sense of connection for patients who may feel isolated from the outside world,' he explains. For Niall Anderson, chair of the Hospital Broadcasting Service in Glasgow, hospital radio is a 'great training ground for future broadcasters' with household names such as George Bowie and Ken Bruce first heard here. 'I've been involved in hospital radio since the 1970s,' he says. 'The reason I've stayed is that I quickly saw the positive impact it had not only on listeners but also on those volunteering to deliver service. 'Originally hospital radio could only be heard using a headset installed at the bedside. These days we stream on the internet and not only does this mean higher sound quality, but it also allows real interaction between patients and their loved ones. 'For hospital radio to remain relevant, it needs to keep pace with the times and offer what people would expect from any radio station including features such as Listen Again – giving the chance to hear a show at a time that suits them.' Live football commentary is a key part of the puzzle. AHR has included visually impaired supporters at the Honest Men's home fixtures. O'Donnell believes this item offers a 'sense of normality and escapism.' (Image: Durham Hospital Radio) An 'inaugural match' against Dundee United in November 1953, according to club historian Duncan Carmichael, started this journey. An upgrade followed, with the opening of a studio in 1959 tucked away in the stadium's southwest corner hiding an interior that feels like you've stepped into a time capsule. One man's vital contribution in constructing this unit, and whose presence preserves the origins of the commentary relays, is that of former army and telecoms worker Willie Shields. At the age of 96, his services providing vivid and professional commentary in the role, as an Ayr supporter, means he still 'feels like a young boy'. He can still recall how he got himself up to this historic studio that is nearing its 66th anniversary. 'The room you're sitting in, I did all the electrical work and a fair bit of the woodwork for it, we built this ourselves,' he says. 'Being a commentator made you more interested in the club, and you were doing something for them. They didn't pay us at all, we were doing it for free, but we had to get the money in to go on air every time.' HBSA Radio's offering chimes with Shields's assessment. Based in Crosshouse since the mid-1970s, the second Ayrshire hospital broadcast service has provided audio descriptive commentary from rivals Kilmarnock Football Club from their home fixtures at Rugby Park since 2018. Station manager Mark Fisher believes that offering the commentary throughout the seven years has 'raised the profile'. He says: 'This has been great for listeners and has provided some amazing opportunities for our local volunteers to get into this very niche activity. The club is a huge part of local life, so it is great to be associated with them. 'The programmes are all presented by local people and we never air syndicated shows from elsewhere. Hospital radio is a valuable resource run by people from the community and hopefully that community benefits from it.' Community, engagement and uplifting others are the outstanding sentiments from the long-running radio broadcast systems throughout Scotland operating on a stalwart, voluntary-led basis. As AHR chair O'Donnell adds: 'Whether it is music, requests, football, cricket, or other major sporting occasions, the volunteers who run these stations bring dedication and enthusiasm ensuring that the content is relevant to those in care.'
