Positive experience for Haskins family on TV show Doctor in the House

By Maurice Garvey

APPEARING on national TV to be probed by medical experts is a daunting prospect, but it was a positive experience for the Haskins family from Clondalkin after they featured on TV3 programme Doctor in the House.

Mother Geraldine and her daughter Amanda, from St Brigids Cottages, applied to the programme last year in an effort to improve their health and wellbeing.

Before signing up, charity shop worker Amanda tipped the scales at 24st, and was subjected to torrid online abuse.

Some of the media coverage prior to appearing on the show last Wednesday focused on harsh soundbites such as ‘the sickest family in Ireland’, which the family found hurtful.

However, after appearing on the show, the Haskins were overwhelmed by messages of goodwill from people, vindicating Geraldine’s decision to contact TV3 in the first place.

“Amanda has had a terrible time with bullying online,” Geraldine told The Echo.

“The hospital wasn’t doing anything about her health, so I decided to sign up for the show. It was only through the show that we got her diagnosis for Diabetes.

“Amanda was very badly bullied on social media and at school. The presenters said she was very brave to come out and speak the way she did. I am so proud of her.”

TV3’s medical experts Professor Niall Moyna, Dr Nina Byrnes, and Dr Sinead Beirne use their expertise to identify potential health risks.

“We got some hard truths, which were needed,” said Geraldine.

“The reaction and messages of support from people after it aired has been unbelievable, especially for Amanda. It has been worthwhile.”