ICORN | What is ICORN

ICORN is the leading platform for Hepatitis C (HCV) research in Ireland and core point of contact for clinicians, patient advocacy groups and healthcare service providers, involved in the care and treatment of patients with HCV.

ICORN is an interdisciplinary interagency network comprising hepatologists and infectious diseases consultants, virologists, epidemiologists, health economists, scientists, patient representatives, community health providers, pharmacists and nurses. This unique cluster of clinical and research expertise is united in realising the underlying aim of ICORN – enhancing the quality of care for all hepatitis C (HCV) infected patients and advocating for disease eradication over the coming decade.

Eight hospitals with centres of excellence in gastroenterology, hepatology or infectious disease caring for patients with hepatitis C (HCV) infection are involved. Beaumont Hospital Dublin; Cork University Hospital, Cork; Galway University Hospital, Galway; Mater Misercicordiae University Hospital, Dublin; Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin, Dubin; St. James’s Hospital (Hepatology), Dublin; St. James’ Hospital (Infectious Diseases – GUIDE), Dublin; St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny; St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin.

7 hospitals

ABOUT ICORN

HCV is a world-wide public health problem resulting in a significant impact on patients and society. In Ireland, more than 14,000 cases of hepatitis C were notified in Ireland between 2004 and 2017, however the true prevalence of HCV in Ireland is unknown.

HCV is now becoming a curable disease due to recent advances in treatment, treatments which offer a greater than 95% chance of cure.

In Ireland, it is estimated that around 20,000-30,000 people are living with hepatitis C, but three out of five of them haven’t been diagnosed yet.