An attempt to transport a young girl by helicopter for a liver transplant last night had to be abandoned after medical specialists indicated the aircraft would not make it in time for the operation.
The Coast Guard helicopter was due to fly out at around 10.30pm last night.
However the plan was abandoned after the transplant team in the UK indicated that the helicopter would not make it in time for the operation.
The girl was due to be transported from Co Leitrim to London.
According to a statement released by the HSE, when the privately run Emergency Medical Support Service, who co-ordinate such air transfers, was alerted by Crumlin Childrens Hospital that a liver was available in London, it contacted the HSE who in turn requested support from the Air Corps and the Coastguard.
An Air Corps helicopter was already engaged in transferring a spinal injury patient and made a request to the Coast Guard who dispatched a craft for arrival to Sligo airport at 10pm last night.
However, it would have taken this helicopter four hours to get to London with the hospital saying this was outside the time frame to carry out the surgery.
The HSE said it was only at this point that all transport arrangements were stood down.
