Call to fast-track CF unit after swine flu death

THE HSE must fast-track the development of a specialist cystic fibrosis (CF) unit at Cork University Hospital (CUH) to care for patients in Munster with the disease.

The call came yesterday from Southern Regional Health Forum member Cllr John Buttimer following the tragic death of the first Irish victim of swine flu.

Darina Calpin, who also had cystic fibrosis, is understood to have contracted the flu within the local community.

Mr Buttimer said the services for people with CF in Munster are already over capacity, with figures already exceeding the projections of the 2005 Pollock Report. It predicted that CUH would be catering for 80 adults with CF by the end of 2010.

But the hospital deals with more than 120 cystic fibrosis patients each year and that figure is expected to reach 150 by 2010 or 2011.

“CUH currently has the second largest adult CF programme outside of Dublin and yet the essentials of a modern and best practice programme are not in place despite the best efforts of consultants, patient groups and local representatives,” The Fine Gael councillor said.

“Because of increased vulnerability to respiratory conditions and other infections, people with CF should be able to avail of special isolation rooms that would reduce and minimise the risk of cross infection.”

The HSE has given commitments that a dedicated CF unit at CUH is a priority but no fixed date for opening the new service has been given, he added.

In April, respiratory consultant Dr Barry Plant said a site on the hospital campus has been identified as a possible location for a dedicated CF unit.

He said at the time it was hoped the unit would be open by April or September of 2010.

It is hoped it will include five individual isolation rooms dedicated solely for CF patients, a dedicated gym for CF patients as exercise prescription is vital to healthy adults with CF, as well as an office area and a multi-disciplinary team room for discussion of patients and education sessions for patients.

Dr Plant has worked tirelessly with his consultant colleagues and the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland, who will contribute some €500,000 towards the €1 million cost, in the planning of the new unit.