4 August 2025

The SDLP is calling for patients from the North to be able to access CAR-T cell therapy in Dublin.

Newry SDLP Councillor Killian Feehan has brought a motion to council calling on Health Departments and Ministers on both sides of the border to facilitate the change in policy.

It follows the death of local woman Catherine Sherry, who passed away earlier this year in King’s College Hospital, London, while receiving CAR-T treatment.

Councillor Feehan said:

“I must commend the incredible strength and bravery of Fergal Sherry and his and Catherine’s sons who have been campaigning for CAR-T cell treatment to be made available to patients in the North at St James’s Hospital in Dublin. I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it was to lose their wife and mother in such circumstances, but for it to happen so far away from home undoubtedly made that even more difficult.

“Tonight, I bring this motion calling on my fellow councillors to give their full support to this campaign and show their solidarity. Nobody should have to go through the experience of the Sherry family, particularly when this treatment is available so close to home.

“We have seen the success of cross-border cancer services in the past, allowing patients to access care closer to home and within reach of their families. I believe we need to see the same approach with CAR-T cell therapy.

"The SDLP is urging Health Ministers Mike Nesbitt and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to begin urgent negotiations to make the changes necessary so that patients can access this treatment in Ireland, without having to travel long distances, and with the support of their family around them.”