2025 HHT Ireland Annual Patient Forum

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Amazing HHT Ireland Members!

What an incredible day we had at the 2025 HHT Ireland Annual Patient Forum, held at Letterkenny University Hospital. We were thrilled to see everyone there, and we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your presence and participation.

Our day was nothing short of fabulous, thanks to the engaging discussions, enlightening insights, and invaluable knowledge shared by our esteemed healthcare experts.

All presentations are available for viewing at the bottom of this page.

Welcome to 2025 HHT IRELAND Patient Forum

Dara Woods welcome speech

Dara Woods welcoming all to the 2025 HHT Ireland Patient Forum

Dr Abdullah Bukhari presenting at the patient Forum

Dr Vikrant-Parihar presenting at the Patient Forum

Dr V. Parihar presenting at the Patient Forum.

Dr Kevin Van Der Merwe Forum presentation.

Dr Elzanne Jansen van Rensburg giving her presentation.

PRESENTATION TO DR BRETT CURRY

Dr Abdullah Bukhari receiving a presentation from Dara Woods, Petronella, Sharon and David

Dara Woods giving a presentation to Dr Vikrant Parihar, Petronella, Sharon and David.

Photo of HHT MEMBERS at the Forum

Elanne and Brett at the Patient Forum

HANDS UP 4HHT IRELAND

Each year, HHT Ireland proudly hosts a Patient Forum to raise awareness of Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) and explores how best to address its challenges. The annual event is a key moment in our calendar, offering a valuable opportunity for medical professionals, students, patients, and families to come together to deepen their understanding of HHT. By sharing knowledge and experiences, we help to improve recognition, diagnosis, and overall management of this rare condition.

The HHT Ireland Annual Patient Forum was held on Saturday, May 17th, at Letterkenny University Hospital. We were honoured to host this meaningful event through the kind invitation of Dr. Vikrant Parihar, whose support was instrumental in encouraging the involvement of medical professionals and students alongside patients and their families. The presence of all is invaluable in fostering stronger connections and providing essential insights into the lived experiences of those affected by HHT.

The Forum featured a series of informative presentations and engaging discussions, offering valuable insights for everyone, whether newly diagnosed, caring for a loved one, or working within the healthcare system. It was a truly special opportunity for the HHT community to come together, share experiences, and offer mutual support in a warm and welcoming environment.

A light lunch was provided for all attendees, creating a relaxed space for informal conversations and meaningful connections.

With the strong participation and enthusiasm shown, we hope this year’s Forum will inspire similar events in hospitals across Ireland. By broadening our reach, we aim to make vital information, resources, and support more accessible to families nationwide—ultimately enhancing quality of life and improving care for everyone affected by HHT.

AGENDA

GUEST SPEAKERS

Dr. Vikrant Parihar -GI

Dr. Vikrant Parihar is a consultant Gastroenterologist at Letterkenny University Hospital, with a special interest in hepatobiliary medicine. He has extensive experience managing complex gastroenterological and medical disorders at both secondary and tertiary levels. Actively involved in teaching, he has contributed to both undergraduate and postgraduate education throughout his training and at Letterkenny University Hospital.

His career aspirations focus on advancing endoscopy services, particularly Video Capsule Endoscopy (VCE) and Endoscopic Ultrasound/Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (EUS/ERCP). Dr. Parihar has authored 30 peer-reviewed publications and has presented at national and international conferences. He has been involved in working with HHT patients since coming in contact with Michael.

Dr Kevin Van Der Merwe -GI

Dr. Kevin Van Der Merwe, MBChB (UCT), MRCPI. Graduated UCT in 2015. I started working at Letterkenny University Hospital in 2019 after doing my internship and community service is South Africa.

I am interested in Endoscopy and how we can use our available services in Letterkenny University Hospital to help treat the complications known with HHT.

Dr Abdullah Bukhari - Respiratory

MBBS Jordan University-Jordan.
Internal Medicine Board Certificate-Saudi Arabia
Respiratory Fellowship-Royal College of Physicians-Ireland
Sleep Medicine Fellowship-Royal College of Physicians-Ireland
MRCPI- Royal College of Physicians-Ireland
MRCPI Examiner
European Respiratory Diploma
PGDip Respiratory Medicine-University of South Wales

Dr Brett Curry - General Physician

Consultant General Physician, General Internal Medicine, Letterkenny University Hospital

I qualified as a doctor in 2013 at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and have always been committed to improving health care in the areas I work. I obtained a Diploma in Primary Emergency Care in 2016 at the College of Medicine of South Africa. I completed my specialist training in Internal Medicine in May 2023 at the College of Medicine South Africa, I am a member of the College of Physicians of South Africa, and I obtained my Masters of Medicine Degree at the University of Stellenbosch also in South Africa. I am currently a Consultant Physician at Letterkenny University Hospital in Donegal. My long-term vision is to work closely with students, junior doctors, medicine registrars and the greater multidisciplinary teams in the settings I serve and hopefully have some impact on the healthcare concerns we face in Ireland and the world in general.

Dr Nash Patil - ENT

Dr. Naishadh Patil is a highly qualified ENT specialist with an extensive educational background, including an M.B.B.S. from Seth G. S. Medical College, Bombay, an M.S. (ENT) from the University of Bombay, and an M.D. from the University of Wurzburg, Germany.

He holds multiple fellowships from prestigious institutions such as the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Dublin. Dr. Patil has authored over 100 publications in the field of otolaryngology, showcasing his expertise and contributions to medical research. His extensive experience and numerous accolades make him a trusted and knowledgeable professional in treating ENT issues.

Ms Lisa Harney - Pharmacy

Senior Pharmacist – Letterkenny University Hospital

Having undertaken the MPharm in Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Lisa completed her pharmacist training year in 2015 in Altnagelvin Hospitla,Derry. Lisa then worked in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin and undertook a MSc in Clinical Pharmacy.

Since 2020 she has been working as a Clinical Pharmacist in Letterkenny University Hospital based on the wards, providing advice on medication related queries and aiming to ensure optimum patient care.

Dr Elzanne van Rensburg - Patient member HHT Ireland

South African born and raised doctor with a passion for HHT and Anaesthesia. Currently working in pursuit of a career towards becoming an Anaesthesiologist at Galway University Hospital. Qualified with an MBChB degree from the University of Stellenbosch and a post graduate diploma in Anaesthesia.

Having worked in South Africa where there were no dedicated HHT specific services the need was paramount. As undergraduate student I did a thesis on the diagnosis, management and prognosis of patients with HHT in the low resource setting. Which I presented at The CureHHT Scientific conference as an oral in Croatia in 2017. From there I started as medical officer post my community service year in haematology at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, where I worked to build up the multidisciplinary HHT unit. I am continuing research in South Africa on HHT and strive to advocate for the safe management and diagnosis of HHT patients. I presented numerous lectures on HHT in different areas on both national and international level. Outside of work I am an HHT family member as well and enjoy rock climbing, sailing and hiking with my husband.

Petronella Mc Loughlin - Patient member HHT Ireland

Petronella was diagnosed in 2018 with HHT. She is now a HHT Ireland board member with a keen interest in raising awareness. Having witnessed her mother suffer HHT without diagnosis Petronella is committed to ensuring that life with HHT is easier for future generations. Petronella is a Finite Scheduler in the biopharmaceutical industry. Petronella serves as one of the Scientific advisors and also co-chairs the HHT CAB.