Contract signed for construction of CF unit at St Vincent's

Hospital authorities today signed the contract for the construction of the long-awaited cystic fibrosis unit at St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin.

The €22m unit, to be built by John Paul Construction Ltd, is expected to be completed by April 2012.

The specialist unit will provide 100 single en suite rooms to accommodate cystic fibrosis, liver disease, cancer oncology and other specialties.

It will also provide ancillary support accommodation, including a 10-bed day unit for patients with cystic fibrosis.

The move has been welcomed by campaigners.

The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland (CFAI) said that while the project has been much delayed and there have been "many false dawns", it acknowledged and welcomed the fact that it is finally going ahead and is being funded by Government.

The CFAI said it wouldl continue to press for interim improvements in services in St Vincent’s Hospital while the block is being completed.