Updated 11.00am

THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS to provide more funding in order to open a new cystic fibrosis unit in University Hospital Limerick, according to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI).

The group says an additional €1 million in additional funding is needed to cover staff costs .

The state-of-the-art new cystic fibrosis unit in University Hospital Limerick was built through charitable fundraising efforts. 

Philip Watt, Chief Executive, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, said since the start of the economic crisis in Ireland there has been progress in some areas of cystic fibrosis care but also significant cutbacks in services with staff shortages and delays in developing and opening vital hospital facilities.

It continues to be the case that there are no cystic fibrosis specialist centres north of a line from Dublin to Galway, with people with cystic fibrosis relying on smaller shared-care centres for treatment.

There is also the ongoing delay in the development of the new national children’s hospital where all children with cystic fibrosis will be treated, plus there are a number of key infrastructure developments that need to be addressed urgently.

Watt also called for an increase  in the number of cystic fibrosis in-patient rooms in Beaumont Hospital. Currently there are seven, however, Watt said 20 rooms are needed.

He also said that there is an urgent need for the new paediatric ward block in Cork University Hospital to commence which will incorporate a badly-needed new CF unit for children.

A statement from the Department of Health to TheJournal.ie in relation to the matter said:

The CF unit is part of the LEBEN Building which has not yet been handed over to the HSE. A funding request for fit out has issued to the Mid West Hospital Development Trust.

It is anticipated that the CF Unit will open on a phased basis when the building is handed over to the HSE and fit out is completed.

CFI begins its ’65 Roses’ week long fundraising campaign today.

First published at 08.35am

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