Menu
10/01/2003
vCJD teenager begins controversial new treatment
A teenager from Northern Ireland who is suffering from vCJD has started to receive a controversial new treatment which may slow progress of the disease.
Jonathan Simms, 18, from Belfast, and another patient, who cannot be named for legal reasons, where taken by their families to an NHS trust to get the treatment approved.
While the location of the hospital, and the names of the surgical team involved, cannot be named, it is believed that both patients have begun to receive their initial procedures which involve being given repeated infusions of the drug pentosan polysulphate directly into the brain.
In the simple procedure, a tube has been inserted into his brain so that the first infusion can be given. It is then hoped that a total of 12 infusions, with gradually increasing doses, can be given.
While, opponents of the treatment have expressed worry at the development due to the fact that it has only received limited testing in animals, it is likely to be some time before the impact of the treatment can be fully assessed.
More than 100 people in the UK are known to have died from the variant form of CJD so far, with a handful now known to be living with the devastating effects of the illness.
(MB)
Jonathan Simms, 18, from Belfast, and another patient, who cannot be named for legal reasons, where taken by their families to an NHS trust to get the treatment approved.
While the location of the hospital, and the names of the surgical team involved, cannot be named, it is believed that both patients have begun to receive their initial procedures which involve being given repeated infusions of the drug pentosan polysulphate directly into the brain.
In the simple procedure, a tube has been inserted into his brain so that the first infusion can be given. It is then hoped that a total of 12 infusions, with gradually increasing doses, can be given.
While, opponents of the treatment have expressed worry at the development due to the fact that it has only received limited testing in animals, it is likely to be some time before the impact of the treatment can be fully assessed.
More than 100 people in the UK are known to have died from the variant form of CJD so far, with a handful now known to be living with the devastating effects of the illness.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 September 2019
Rise In Uptake Of Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services
The number of people receiving treatment for drug and alcohol abuse in Northern Ireland has grown, a recent census has shown. Some 6,743 people were in active treatment in April 2019, for either drug or alcohol abuse or both. This represents a rise in clients from 5,969 in the 2017 census.
Rise In Uptake Of Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services
The number of people receiving treatment for drug and alcohol abuse in Northern Ireland has grown, a recent census has shown. Some 6,743 people were in active treatment in April 2019, for either drug or alcohol abuse or both. This represents a rise in clients from 5,969 in the 2017 census.
27 August 2004
Commissioning work begins at water treatment facility
The Water Service has begun commissioning works on its £20m water treatment plant in Co Down. The largest water treatment facility to be built to date in Northern Ireland, the three-month commissioning period will involve rigorous testing of all the state-of-the-art systems at Drumaroad, near Castlewellan.
Commissioning work begins at water treatment facility
The Water Service has begun commissioning works on its £20m water treatment plant in Co Down. The largest water treatment facility to be built to date in Northern Ireland, the three-month commissioning period will involve rigorous testing of all the state-of-the-art systems at Drumaroad, near Castlewellan.
28 June 2002
Water and sewerage infrastructure receives £100m
Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson has outlined plans to invest almost £100 million on upgrading the province's water and sewerage infrastructure. The Minister was speaking on Friday, June 28, at the opening of the new Derg Water Treatment Works near Castlederg, which was constructed at a cost of £10.3 million.
Water and sewerage infrastructure receives £100m
Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson has outlined plans to invest almost £100 million on upgrading the province's water and sewerage infrastructure. The Minister was speaking on Friday, June 28, at the opening of the new Derg Water Treatment Works near Castlederg, which was constructed at a cost of £10.3 million.
26 February 2002
North Down to benefit from £35 million water treatment plant
A new £35 million state-of-the-art water treatment works to serve North Down and Ards has been unveiled by the Regional Development Minister Peter Robinson.
North Down to benefit from £35 million water treatment plant
A new £35 million state-of-the-art water treatment works to serve North Down and Ards has been unveiled by the Regional Development Minister Peter Robinson.
26 January 2016
Three People Receive Hospital Treatment Following Ammonia Spill In L'Derry
Three people have been taken to hospital following an ammonia spill at Ballyrashane Creamery in L'Derry. Emergency services attended the scene at Creamery Road on Monday morning. A leak was isolated and a second leak was also discovered. It has since been isolated.
Three People Receive Hospital Treatment Following Ammonia Spill In L'Derry
Three people have been taken to hospital following an ammonia spill at Ballyrashane Creamery in L'Derry. Emergency services attended the scene at Creamery Road on Monday morning. A leak was isolated and a second leak was also discovered. It has since been isolated.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
