05/07/2018

Cannabis Licence Granted For Billy Caldwell

A boy with severe epilepsy has been granted the use of medicinal cannabis in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Health received an emergency licence from Belfast Trust clinicians to let Billy Caldwell use the medication.

Billy, aged 12, is expected to fly home from London to Castlederg with his mother Charlotte later this evening.

The medicinal cannabis helps control his seizures.

West Tyrone MP Órfhlaith Begley said: "I have been in regular contact with Billy's mother Charlotte and the health authorities on both sides of the Irish sea urging them to end the delay in transferring Billy’s medicinal cannabis licence to the North. 

"We are still seeking clarity on where Billy will receive his treatment within the North.

"I therefore welcome the announcement that this licence will be administered in the North so that Billy can come home and continue his recovery."

(CD)

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