Irish Haemophilia Society Parents' Conference 2026

By Sarah Shelley

3–5 July 2026 | Midland Park Hotel, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

The Irish Haemophilia Society, with whom we work closely, invited several Haemophilia NI families to attend their Parents' Conference in Portlaoise from 3–5 July 2026. This annual event has long been an important part of the Irish Haemophilia Society's calendar, and this year marked the first dedicated parents' information event in two years.

Friday evening began with arrivals and a welcome buffet, giving families an opportunity to settle in, meet one another and catch up with familiar faces. We also had the pleasure of meeting Brian O’Mahony, Chief Executive of the Irish Haemophilia Society, who warmly welcomed attendees and wished everyone an enjoyable and informative weekend. The evening provided a relaxed start to the conference, with plenty of opportunities for conversation while the children enjoyed activities, including face painting. Excited young attendees could be seen sporting everything from Minecraft-inspired creations to princess designs.

Saturday marked the start of the main conference programme. After breakfast, parents were able to leave the children in the capable hands of age-appropriate activity groups run by an enthusiastic volunteer team. Activities included everything from swimming to movie-making, ensuring the children were entertained throughout the day.

The morning sessions began with two parallel presentations:

• Current and Future Treatments, presented by Dr Saad Ahmed, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist, CHI Crumlin.

• Living with Von Willebrand disease and Rare Bleeding Disorders, presented by Dr Beatrice Nolan, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist, CHI Crumlin.

• Dr Ahmed's presentation on the history of haemophilia and the progress of treatments over the years was particularly fascinating.

  During the question-and-answer session, he was asked how he viewed the next ten years of haemophilia treatment. His response highlighted the many innovations currently on the horizon, including the future potential for an oral medication, which would represent a significant advancement in treatment options.

  
  

The programme then moved to a single-track format featuring a physiotherapy session on bone health by Ms Paula Loughrane, Physiotherapist at CHI Crumlin, followed by contributions from members of the Comprehensive Care Team. Video presentations were also included from speakers who were unable to attend in person.

The afternoon sessions included:

• Needle Phobia, presented by Dr Yvonne Duane, Psychologist, CHI Crumlin.

• Inheritance of Bleeding Disorders and Carrier Issues, presented by Dr Beatrice Nolan and Caitriona Ferry, Nurse Specialist, CHI Crumlin.

• The formal programme concluded with an open forum involving the Comprehensive Care Team, providing families with an opportunity to speak directly with healthcare professionals outside the usual clinical setting.

  
  

Saturday evening brought families together for food and entertainment, including a performance from Jeca the Clown. After a full day of learning and discussion, it was a welcome opportunity to relax, share reflections from the day's sessions, and reconnect with the children after their own busy schedule of activities.

Sunday's programme was shorter but equally engaging. Families received an update on the new children's hospital from Ms Lucy Nugent, CEO of Children's Health Ireland. It was fascinating to hear how the new facility is taking shape and to learn about some of the technology that will be available, including advanced medication systems, robotic delivery services and family-friendly spaces designed to make hospital stays less intimidating for children and their families. Attendees also heard about the opportunity to visit the site through weekend tours ahead of its opening.

The final session of the weekend was a separate mothers' and fathers' forum, providing a welcoming environment for families to share experiences, discuss challenges and exchange ideas. This proved particularly valuable for newer families, who were able to benefit from the knowledge and experiences of others within the community.

All too soon it was time to pack up and head home. The weekend provided an excellent opportunity to learn, connect with other families and strengthen relationships across the bleeding disorders community.

We would like to thank the Irish Haemophilia Society for their invitation and hospitality, and we look forward to meeting many of these families again at the Irish Haemophilia Society Conference in October.

For more information on the new children's hospital, visit the https://www.childrenshealthireland.ie/about-us/new-childrens-hospital/.