A “busy person” all his life, 73-year-old Gerard ‘Gerry’ Heaney from Craigavon was diagnosed in 2018 with the rare and chronic Myasthenia Gravis (MG), an autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes severe weakness and rapid fatigue in voluntary muscles.

The former school thas praised the exceptional care and compassion he has received from the South Eastern Trust Neurology Team, which delivers the Regional Neuromuscular Service for Northern Ireland.

The Regional Neuromuscular Service transferred from the Belfast Trust to the South Eastern Trust in November 2024.

It was initially based at Lagan Valley Hospital but in October 2025, it moved to Thompson House in Lisburn, which is a Regional hospital providing acute assessment and rehabilitation for adults with an Acquired Brain Injury or complex neurological disability.

Patient Gerry Heaney with Neurology Staff Nurse Paula Woods. Pic credit: SEHSCT

placeholder image — Patient Gerry Heaney with Neurology Staff Nurse Paula Woods. Pic credit: SEHSCT

South Eastern Trust, Neuromuscular Clinical Nurse Specialist, Sarah Mason highlighted the importance of having a dedicated Regional service: “Once a patient’s diagnosis is confirmed, it is really important that they have their own specialist service.

"There are often no cures or definitive treatments for many neuromuscular conditions.

"Having our own service in Northern Ireland, based in Thompson House Hospital, is vital. Otherwise, patients would have to travel outside Northern Ireland, for care.

“We provide essential, practical support such as monitoring respiratory and cardiac function. There are more than 60 neurological conditions, some rare and some extremely rare and it is crucial that patients are seen by staff who understand their condition, can ensure they access the right services and can advocate for them with other professionals.”

Neurology Service Manager, Dr Andrew Kerr, South Eastern Trust, Assistant Director of Medical Specialties and Cancer Medicine, Mary Jo Thompson, South Eastern Trust, Neuromuscular Clinical Nurse Specialist, Sarah Mason, Consultant Neurologist Dr John McConville, Advanced Practitioner Physiotherapist Siobhan Lamb, Thompson House Interim Operational Manager Victoria Quinn, Neurology Staff Nurse Paula Woods and Staff Nurse Amy McGarry. Pic credit: SEHSCT

Gerry Heaney recalled being referred to Neurology Consultant, Dr John McConville who at the time was based at the City Hospital in Belfast.

“After a while I was told the service would be moving to Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn. It did not matter where I went, as long as I was getting the right treatment by the experts,” said Gerry.

“When I was told the service was moving again to Thompson House Hospital. I have to say I was really impressed. Both the City Hospital and Lagan Valley are big, busy places. Thompson House Hospital is much quieter and more personable.

"It is fantastic and Dr McConville is here along with such a high level of care from the Nurses and staff. I cannot fault anything about the care I have received.

“The level of care I have received is second to none. I feel so well looked after.

"I have a great Consultant in Dr McConville and a fantastic Neuromuscular Nurse, Sarah Mason. You could not ask for more.”

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South Eastern Trust, Neurology Consultant, Dr John McConville said the Thompson House Hospital location offers significant benefits to patients.

“Thompson House Hospital is a really nice hospital with a strong rehabilitation background, making it an ideal environment for people with neuromuscular conditions,” he said.

“We are very patient-centred and we aim to offer a holistic service.

"Our Specialist Nurse and Specialist Physiotherapist are experts in Neuromuscular conditions and having the team based together at Thompson House Hospital allows us to carry out complex reviews of the multiple issues our patients often face.”