Planned paediatrics ward reliant on funding

Children’s charities across Cork are counting on HSE capital funding early next year to allow for the construction of a two-storey extension above the existing children’s ward at Cork University Hospital.

The revamped children’s unit will see medical and surgical services currently at Mercy University Hospital (MUH) transfer to Cork University Hospital (CUH).

The project received planning permission about six weeks ago and was been welcomed by cystic fibrosis (CF) fundraising charity, Build4Life and the Cork Leukaemia Association.

According to Build4Life spokesman, Cathy Carlton, the new unit will house outpatient isolation rooms for children with CF, a gym, and separate nurses’ station.

In the next eight months, a five-bed, inpatient-bed, isolation unit for adult CF sufferers will open at CUH.

“In the times we’re in, it’s great to see such facilities being developed as isolation facilities have a huge impact on life expectancy,” said Ms Carlton.

For leukaemia patients, the CUH extension will mean separate isolation and treatment rooms and will see CUH becoming a centre of excellence in the treatment of leukaemia, said Carol Hickey of the Cork Leukaemia Association.

Up to now, all leukaemia treatment has taken place at the MUH. It is also believed new consultant posts will ensure leukaemia treatments for which patients are travelling to Dublin could be available in Cork.

The project will include a new haematology oncology inpatient unit as well as a dedicated paediatric triage and assessment unit allowing direct access for children requiring emergency care.

It will also include a specialised treatment area for children with diabetes, and a paediatric research and teaching facility. According to CUH management, the new building should take 18 months to build, subject to capital funding approval.

By 2014, Build4Life will have raised up to €4m for CF facilities at CUH. Cork Leukaemia Association has raised €300,000 towards the new unit and said it will match that figure once capital funding is secured.

MUH has put a number of nominees on the capital working group developing the unit. A spokesman said: “MUH will work in partnership with CUH through the paediatrics project team until the centralisation of paediatrics on one site in Cork is complete.

“In the meantime, MUH will continue to treat sick children presenting at the hospital’s emergency department and children presenting for elective medical or surgical procedures at MUH.”