Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has been advised that the Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly, TD, is actively considering an application by Build4Life for lottery funding for a dedicated cystic fibrosis care unit at CUH. In a reply to a parliamentary question Deputy Buttimer was informed that the Minister “will make a decision shortly”.
Deputy Buttimer said “I pleased that the Minister has confirmed that he is actively considering the application of Build4Life for a dedicated cystic fibrosis care unit at CUH and that he will make a decision on it shortly. The development of this project should remain a priority as it will further enhance the facilities available for CF patients in Cork.
“Build4Life has been campaigning and fundraising for five years to develop facilities cystic fibrosis patients at CUH. In May of this year a CF Day Centre, which caters for most of the clinical needs of CF patients, was opened at CUH. The capital cost of this facility was provided through partnership between the HSE South and Build4Life.
“The next phase of the expansion of CF facilities at CUH is the development of an inpatient isolation and bed facility. In his reply to my parliamentary question the Minister confirmed that the CUH is working in partnership with Build4Life to co-fund the development of a designated inpatient unit, with en-suite rooms for CF patients. The Minister confirmed that a vacated ward has at CUH has been identified for a combined designated adult inpatient facility and respiratory unit.
“The Minister confirmed that the need to develop the adult in-patient facility remains a Board and HSE South priority and the HSE will continue to work with Build4Life to complete this project. I welcome this commitment and the Ministers reassurance that he is actively considering the Build4Life lottery application.”