CF facility in idle ward may go ahead

THE Department of Health is considering a U-turn on a decision to refuse €300,000 to a cystic fibrosis (CF) charity which has raised €2 million to transform a closed Cork University Hospital (CUH) ward into an isolation unit for CF patients.

Build4 Life chairman Joe Browne last month accused Health Minister James Reilly “of failing the CF population in Munster” by turning down his organisation’s application for National Lottery funding.

The charity needs just €300,000 to ensure the idle 5B ward at CUH can be transformed into isolation units for CF patients.

The department has a National Lottery discretionary fund of € 3.7m to distribute to organisations which provide a range of health-related services and Build4Life had been hopeful of securing support.

However, two weeks ago, Build4Life volunteers were informed their application had been rejected.

But, during a topical issues discussion in the Dáil last night, Junior Health Minister Kathleen Lynch told Fine Gael’s Dara Murphy “it would not be correct” to say a lottery funding application had failed.

Ms Lynch said: “It would not be correct to say that the group has recently failed in its grant application for €300,000.

“In fact, no decision has been reached as yet with regard to the group’s request for lottery funding. The minister will make a decision as soon as possible, having regard to the various applications that have been submitted for many other good projects. The department will ensure that Build4life are informed in a timely manner in relation to the outcome.”

Mr Browne said the charity had €2m “they can’t wait to spend” in the local economy and all they need is a further €300,000.

“At present, CF patients are scattered all over the hospital. They can’t be treated to top standards in this way as they are wide open to infection. We are looking to save lives.”

Fianna Fáil senator Mark Daly last night accused Mr Reilly of being “short sighted” as jobs will be created in the project and the state’s coffers would take in up to €450,000 through VAT, PRSI, and PAYE payments associated with the construction.