A schoolgirl, who has been waiting almost a week for a life-saving heart transplant, remains in intensive care at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin.
Susan Farrell (13) suffers from cardiomyopathy, a condition which has weakened the muscles of her heart and is believed to have been caused by a virus seven years ago. Last month, however, her condition deteriorated suddenly and she has since been put on the active waiting list for a transplant.
Dr Paul Oslizlok, a consultant paediatric cardiologist at Our Lady's Hospital, said: "Her health is deteriorating rapidly - time is at a premium. She is a very vibrant, energetic girl and it's really distressing for her parents and staff to see her fading so fast."
Mrs Madeline Farrell, the girl's mother, said she was "keeping her fingers crossed" that a donor can be found. "We were always aware there was a strong possibility she would need a transplant when she was older but we never expected her to go downhill so quickly."
Ms Farrell is a second-year pupil at Holy Faith College in Clontarf.