Eleven beds ensure CF patient prioritisation

The dispute between Build4Life and CUH management about the ring-fencing of in-patient facilities for cystic fibrosis patients highlights the extraordinary efforts of the charity in fundraising for these much-needed services.

In contrast, the reliance by the HSE and the State on charity fundraising is shameful.

Bed management at CUH has always recognised the criticality of ensuring CF patients, of which I am one, are given priority to avoid infection and are admitted as speedily as possible.

Consider the current assessed needs of CF patients in CUH. Eleven beds (as a maximum) are sufficient in ensuring that CF patients have the appropriate access to in-patient healthcare.

This, in my experience, would meet demand.

Similarly, while it’s essential that CF patients have a genuine priority with respect to admittance, it would be unreasonable to suggest, in such straitened times, that beds be allowed to lie unused for substantial periods of time.

Continued, appropriate bed-management can ensure that CF patients have priority access as a prerequisite to recovery within the new unit, while the needs of non-CF patients can also be served.

Finally, it is important to state that it is a matter of regret that the HSE should burden Build4Life with the cost of this entire facility.

However, this should not now get in the way of appropriate care of current CF patients or, indeed, other patients.

Dermot Fenton

Glenville

Co Cork