Parent's Of Cork Conjoined Twins Issue Statement

The parents of a pair of conjoined twins from Cork have spoken to the media for the first time, after the births were revealed this morning.

According to a statement issued by HSE today, the twins, whose care is shared between Cork University Maternity Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children were born at University College Hospital in London in December.

The parents of the two boys - who have appealed for privacy and have asked not to be named - said they were very proud of their new arrivals. They said they wanted to be able to enjoy their time with their sons before they undergo a separation operation later this year.

"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. We needed time together first as a family and to see how the boys were doing. 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.

"We would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all the wonderful people who cared for us and the boys at University College Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Cork University Maternity Hospital. 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".

A spokesperson for Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) said both boys were medically very well, taking their feeds and gaining weight. He added that the neonatal team in Cork was working closely with the family and Great Ormond Street Hospital with the boys' treatment and clinical care.

Mr Edward Kiely, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London said: "If all goes according to plan the children will return to Great Ormond Street Hospital later in the year. The surgical team here is the most experienced in Europe at assessing and if necessary separating conjoined twins."

(DW/GK)