The BBC has featured our latest screening programme in Belfast & Newry. "It is thought that one in 10 people have the condition in Northern Ireland".

This piece features the experiences of three of our local community in their haemochromatosis journey.

Catherine McComb was initially diagnosed 3 years ago. She repeatedly contacted her GP before a locum doctor flagged abnormal blood iron levels. However, the 40-year-old has been "in limbo" waiting for an initial consultation to discuss her treatment plan.

Bill Sheridan, aged 66, was recently diagnosed following his sister's diagnosis. Bill and his siblings were all told they were "red-flag referrals" to see a specialist, later learning that could take two to three years, so they chose to pay for a private consultant.

Sean O'Hare, 52 from Forkhill in County Armagh, lost his father Tony to haemochromatosis-induced heart failure in 2018, having been diagnosed two years previously. Although he should have been tested by his GP following his father's diagnosis, Sean has struggled to secure a test - "The NHS don't actually [routinely] test for haemochromatosis, you have to ask - that has to change," he said.

Marie Louise Connolly, BBC NI Health Correspondent is herself awaiting the results of a test for genetic haemochromatosis. She has put together this introduction to the condition for the BBC.

The full BBC article is available online.