Dedicated cystic fibrosis unit for Munster by 2010

A DEDICATED cystic fibrosis (CF) unit for Munster is expected to open by October 2010.

However, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is planning to, in the short term, provide extra single rooms at Cork University Hospital (CUH) to cater for demand.

The news emerged yesterday just days after the HSE was urged to fast-track the development of a dedicated CF unit at the hospital.

Southern Regional Health Forum member Cllr John Buttimer said the services for people with CF in Munster are 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. 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,” he 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.”

In a statement yesterday, the HSE said it has secured in excess of €1 million revenue funding to enhance the multi-disciplinary teams for both adult and paediatric CF services.

“CUH is currently finalising a statement of need for adult CF services,” it said. “This outlines requirements for a day unit and inpatient beds for CF services.

“It is planned that on the opening of the hospital’s new Cardiac Renal Centre, and on completion of the infrastructural works required to accommodate the specific requirements of the CF service identified in the ‘statement of need’, CF services will be accommodated in a dedicated area within the renal centre.”

However, the HSE stressed that the October 2010 opening date depends on building schedules.

At the moment, CUH facilitates the admission of its CF patients through bed management.

The HSE said it is planning to provide additional single rooms in the future which will further enhance its ability to accommodate patients with CF.

In the meantime, CUH provides its CF service from two temporary rooms where all work including patient reviews, specialist CF nurse work and physiotherapy is carried out.

The HSE said talks with the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland in relation to funding are ongoing.