Cystic fibrosis numbers to hit twice the guideline at CUH

THE number of adult cystic fibrosis patients treated at Cork University Hospital is set to be double the official guidelines within 18 months, it has emerged.

Detailing the situation at the latest HSE south regional health forum, respiratory consultant at CUH Dr Barry Plant warned that despite the 2005 Pollock Report stating CUH should treat up to 70 adults with the life-threatening condition, the facility is seeing 110 patients. By 2010, this figure is expected to reach 150 patients.

Explaining that the situation was risking cystic fibrosis patients potentially contracting illnesses from each other, putting their treatment in jeopardy, Dr Plant said management should actively consider designating specific isolation units when the hospital’s cardiac unit is moved in 2010.

Highlighting the need to isolate some cystic fibrosis patients to ensure infections do not spread to other patients with the condition, he said the issue should be treated as a matter of urgency by health service management.

“We are exceeding the Pollock Report numbers. We are currently seeing 110 patients, but that is likely to be approximately 150 by the end of 2010,” said Dr Plant.

“While patients are now living longer, that is causing complications in treatment. Our work-rate is increasing by 15% per annum, and many adult cystic fibrosis patients will have complications like recurrent respiratory infections, liver, kidney and pancreatic disease, and other issues. There is a need to have designated beds for them so that when they are unwell they can be admitted. We also need to be able to isolate cystic fibrosis patients from each other at times when they have dangerous bugs in their lungs.”

Councillors at yesterday’s health forum meeting were informed that since 2007, the number of adult cystic fibrosis admissions to CUH has increased from 15 to 25, with the number of day unit reviews up, from 113 to 182.

Cork councillor John Buttimer said it was essential designated cystic fibrosis isolation beds and increased staff levels for the condition became available at CUH. “The Pollock report is now out of date. It’s not like we’re re-inventing the wheel, we need to know when and where are these services going to be delivered.”