In the words of Sally Ann Lynch “genetic counselling” is a most misinterpreted concept! Way back when, counselling meant advice and it is in this context that it is still used today when describing genetic services. The service is most certainly not “touchy feely”, although all concerned are very pleasant! The service is not one of telling people what to do either nor is it about finding fault. So what is the service about?

Location: Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp, Co. KildareFollowing our inaugural family activity day with the Arklow Sea Scouts in 2004, the Association is holding a family day on the 10th June thanks to the Defence Forces.For those of you who attended our first Activity Day held in Arklow in June 2004, you will remember the fun that was had by all involved, and how the kids and teenagers went home at the end of an activity and fun-pack...

At our Information Evening on the 22 Novmber, Mr. McKiernan gave an excellent presentation on Orthodontics for cleft including treatments available and their associated timelines.Orthodontic treatment breaks down into five stages. Importantly, each individual will have a unique treatment. For example pre surgical orthopaedics is only suited to a small number babies. Similarly not all children will need a bone graft and of those who do not all wil...

Our Information Evening (22nd November) was attended by some 34 people, and if success can be gauged by the number of questions emanating from the audience, then this evening was a resounding success. Whether the topic was orthodontics or genetics, the audience displayed great interest in the subject matter and were very appreciative of the speakers’ contributions.

European Congress of the European Network of Cleft Support OrganisationsBruges, Belgium, 7-8 October 2005I was delighted to represent our Association at this year’s European Congress of the European Network of Cleft Support Organisations held in Bruges, Belgium, from 7-8 October. Representatives were also present from the UK, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, and of course our hosts, Belgium. This is the Association’s seco...

We are delighted to let you know that Laura Duggan has recently been appointed as Cleft Co-Ordinator succeeding from Claire Kelly. She will operate between St. James’s Hospital and Our Ladies Hospital for Sick Children Crumlin, Dublin.Laura comes into the team with a General Paediatric Nursing and a Managerial background. Having most recently worked as a Ward Manager in The Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street, Laura has a considerable a...