Efforts to find accord between CUH and cystic fibrosis charity to continue

Efforts to broker an agreement that would end a row between a Cork hospital and a cystic fibrosis (CF) charity over the ring-fencing of beds are to continue next week after talks last night ended without a breakthrough.

However, it’s understood parties to the talks are hopeful of a compromise being reached. The row between CF charity Build4Life and Cork University Hospital (CUH) erupted when the hospital refused to ring-fence beds for CF patients in a ward the charity is funding.

Build4Life raised €2.3m to fund the new adult respiratory unit on the understanding that up to 10 beds would be ring-fenced. The hospital is now offering “priority access” which Build4Life is not prepared to accept. The row has delayed the development which should have been completed by now.