Conjoined twins Hassan and Hussein Bernaffaf are expected to undergo a separation procedure at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. The twins are joined at the chest, and fortunately they do not share any vital organs, making the separation possible.The twins will be separated in the coming months.

The twins were born seven weeks ago and were discharged from Cork University Maternity Hospital yesterday.

Cork pediatric specialist, Dr. Edward Kiely, will lead the surgical team. The Great Ormond Street Hospital is is one of the most experienced in the separation of conjoined twins, the team have dealt with 21 separations. 

The parents are Cork born Angie Benhaffaf and her Algerian husband Azzedine. They have released a statement thanking the public for the massive support they have received.

"We very much appreciate the positive response to our request for privacy from the media and the public, but we also know that there is genuine interest in the progress of our 'two little fighters.'

"We again hope that our privacy at home will be fully respected as we enjoy what will be a very special time for us as a family before we return to London for the boys separation later this year.

"We also wish to record our gratitude to all the truly wonderful staff in Cork University Maternity Hospital for the care and attention they have lavished on ourselves and the boys."


Dr Kiely says that the survival rate at Great Ormond Street Hospital for planned separations is 80%.