THE parents of a six-month-old baby are
“over the moon
? after receiving news that their daughter, who has remained in hospital since birth, will finally return home.
Finglas tot Saoirse Dunne, who suffers from Treacher Collins Syndrome, was born without a chin and one of her ears.
At three weeks old she developed breathing difficulties and could only breathe through a tracheostomy tube in her throat.
She also underwent cranial facial surgery at six weeks to give her jaw structure.
The condition meant that she had to receive round the clock care from nurses in Temple Street Hospital.
In September, Northside People highlighted how Saoirse couldn’t return home as the HSE wasn’t able to afford to pay the
?¬2,988 a week charged by nursing agencies for part-time care.
Saoirse was fit for discharge but her parents couldn’t take her home because they needed a nurse to be with her for eight hours a night, seven nights a week so that Saoirse’s parents could get some sleep in between caring for their child.
However, this week Saoirse’s parents spoke of their joy after they were told that their daughter could now breathe independently after she had the tracheostomy removed.
“We’re absolutely delighted to finally have our little girl back,
? Saoirse’s dad Damien said.
“It’s great news. Saoirse is no longer dependent on the levels of care she received before and is now breathing on her own.
“She’ll need some assistance but myself and my wife will be able to manage.
?
Damien said there were no celebratory parties planned just yet, but revealed that his daughter would be christened in December.
Saoirse’s mother Elisha said she feels as though Christmas and her birthday have arrived at the same time.
“I’ve never been happier,
? she said.
“It’s brilliant news. We can now look forward to her christening.
?