German operation for sick toddler

Leukaemia affects white blood cells - part of the body's infection defence

A seriously ill child in need of a bone marrow transplant is set to travel to Germany for the potentially life-saving operation.

The Eastern Health Board agreed to fund the procedure for 13-month-old James Hynes who is suffering from leukaemia.

Last week, Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital told his parents nothing more could be done for the child.

This was because medical guidelines mean that he is not a candidate for the operation in Northern Ireland.

However, it was later confirmed he will go to Germany on Thursday for an operation funded by the NHS.

'Chances of success'

BBC NI reporter Conor Macauley said: "The family got onto the internet and were frantically searching around for options.

"They found a consultant in Germany who was prepared to do the operation privately.

"The family then went public in an effort to raise the money and there was a massive public response.

"This morning, the Eastern Health and Social Services Board said if the doctors in the Royal think it appropriate to send little James to Germany for the procedure, they will be prepared to foot the £100,000 bill."

After telephone consultations with doctors at the Royal on Wednesday, medical experts in Germany have agreed to treat the child.

James seems to be in good enough form - the lump is swelling a little, but the doctors are telling us that they are going to get the chemotherapy ready for him James Hynes Baby's father

The toddler's father, also named James, is delighted with the development.

"We are just waiting on James to get more chemotherapy," said Mr Hynes.

"He will hopefully be going to go on the plane tomorrow (Thursday) and we are just trying to find out what time we will be flying out at.

"James seems to be in good enough form - the lump is swelling a little, but the doctors are telling us that they are going to get the chemotherapy ready for him."

The baby is expected to have more chemotherapy in Germany ahead of the procedure, which will involve the use of bone marrow from one of his parents.

They have been told that the operation only has a 20-30% chance of success.

In a statement, the Eastern Health Board stressed it "acted immediately to consider funding for the on-going treatment in Germany" of James.

The board said it was "following well-established procedures that govern circumstances of this nature".

It said it would "meet the cost of further treatment as considered appropriate by clinical staff at the Royal Hospitals".