Ireland’s first dedicated Lyme Disease Resource Centre has been opened at the Mater Hospital in Dublin.
The centre was established to meet the growing demand for diagnostics and treatment of the disease.
Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal Charlie McConalogue has welcomed the launch of the new privately-funded centre and called for more education and awareness of the disease in Ireland.
Deputy McConalogue explained, “The launch of this centre is a major step forward for people already diagnosed with Lyme disease and those who fear that they may have contracted this debilitating condition.
“Lyme support groups have been trying to raise awareness for some time, and hopefully this new centre will act as a catalyst for a more targeted information campaign.”
The resource centre will be led by Dr. John Lambert, a specialist in Infectious Diseases.
On the appointment, Deputy McConalogue said: “Dr. Lambert has been leading the way in assisting Lyme sufferers. His proactive and constructive approach to the disease has eased the anxiety and frustration of many people who were suffering debilitating symptoms without knowing the cause.
“There needs to be a concerted effort from the wider medical community to acknowledge this disease, especially when it comes to clinical diagnosis and treatment plans. I’m disappointed that the government and the HSE are continuing to sideline this disease, which affects hundreds of people across the country. This venture is privately funded, and while I very much welcome its establishment, I would like to see the Minister acknowledge the seriousness of this problem.
“I recently met with members of the Donegal Lyme Disease and Co-infections support group in Dublin and pledged my support to put pressure on the government to establish an awareness and treatment programme. I, along with my colleagues on the Oireachtas Action Group on Lyme, will continue to work together to progress this important issue.”
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