Michael McGimpsey met with Mrs Caldwell who brought her two year old son to Stormont during Thursday lunchtime to discuss Billy’s case.
The Minister expressed sympathy with Mrs Caldwell’s position. He stressed that he wanted to ensure that all the appropriate treatment would be provided for Billy. Michael McGimpsey said:
“Billy has a complex condition that has been managed by doctors both in his local area and at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. Those caring for Billy know all the details of his condition, his individual circumstances and how he has responded to previous treatments.
“The advice of Billy’s doctors at this time is that he could benefit from an assessment by an expert at Great Ormond Street Hospital, a specialist centre in London, renowned both nationally and internationally for treating sick children.
“Our health service depends on highly skilled doctors and nurses. Those dealing with specialist conditions such as Billy’s have many years of experience and training. I must therefore depend on their considered opinions on the care of patients and their families.”
The Minister asked Mrs Caldwell to take 24 hours to consider a proposal that included getting a second opinion from Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. It will then be for doctors at Great Ormond Street to consider all of the treatment options including the possibility of referral to a centre elsewhere.
The proposal would cover accommodation and travel costs. The Minister also confirmed he would cover the cost of the cancellation of any previously arranged flights.
Commenting on the proposal Michael McGimpsey said: “Great Ormond Street is a world recognised centre for the treatment of sick children. If the experts there feel that Billy can receive better treatment in a centre abroad I am content for the Health Service to cover the cost.
In response to allegations that the Minister had attempted to impede the proceedings of the Health Committee the Minister said:
“Mrs Caldwell had contacted me on a number of occasions requesting a meeting. She asked if I could arrange to meet her on the same day that she was meeting the Committee. To facilitate Mrs Caldwell I agreed to leave an important meeting at lunchtime on Thursday.
“At no point did I seek to interfere with the work of the Committee and I am surprised and disappointed with some of inflammatory language used at their meeting.
“As Health Minister I have wide range of responsibilities. It is my role to ensure that high quality services are provided for all the people of Northern Ireland. It is not my role to interfere with the diagnosis and care of patients and it would be irresponsible to do so.”
Notes to Editors:
Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number on 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
