Who we are

The National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders (NCIMD), also known as the Metabolic Unit, is located at Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street.  It is the tertiary care referral centre for the investigation and treatment of individuals suspected of having a metabolic disorder in Ireland.

We provide a programme for the investigation, counselling and lifelong treatment for patients with metabolic disorders, detected by the Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme and family screening.  The screening for Phenylketonuria (PKU) commenced in Ireland in 1966.  We also screen for other conditions, such as Homocystinuria (HCU), Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) and Galactosaemia.  Two further conditions were added to the screening programme on December 3rd, 2018: Glutaric Aciduria Type 1 (GA1) and Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MCADD).

The NCIMD investigates suspected cases of metabolic disorders referred from hospitals throughout the country and provides specialised treatments for these patients.  The management of metabolic disorders is complex and demands input from the multidisciplinary team led by a Metabolic Consultant.  A holistic and family centred approach is used by our team, which includes input from medical, nursing, dietetic, psychology, social work, laboratory staff and play specialist.

The NCIMD runs a seven bed high-dependency metabolic ward which is dedicated to the care of and investigation of patients with metabolic disorders.  The NCIMD provides medical, dietetic and nursing support and advice, to all hospitals and regional centres for patients with metabolic disorders.

Patient profile: new patients are accepted and seen in CHI up to the eve of their 16th birthday.