Tuesday, January 28, 2013
- Buttimer calls for continuing dialogue to resolve outstanding issues regarding specially developed in-patient facility for people with cystic fibrosis at Cork University Hospital.
- Issue by way of topical issue debate in Dáil Eireann (Tuesday, January 28, 2014) and said that any discussions must include Build4Life.
Over the past few months, a disagreement has developed between Build4Life, the HSE and Cork University Hospital concerning the use of funding for the development of an in-patient facility for people with Cystic Fibrosis at CUH. It has specifically involved disagreement over the ring-fencing of beds for patients with cystic fibrosis. The ward has 20 beds, a proportion of which are to be designated for patients with cystic fibrosis. All parties have an interest in resolving this issue and I would call for everyone to sit down and discuss how it can be resolved in the interests of patients.
This unit was developed at a cost of approximately €2.3 million, which was raised by Build4Life including a contribution of €300,000 over two years made by the Minister for Health, through National Lottery funding. Cork University Hospital has also contributed to this project, investing €250,000 in preparing the site. Everybody has invested time, energy and money in getting this project to the stage where it would benefit patients. Patients must be at the centre of everything we do in the health system and it is important that the needs of patients with cystic fibrosis are paramount in resolving disagreements over bed allocation.
Families and patients with cystic fibrosis want to ensure the new facility is operated in a long-term manner that is feasible and viable. While there has been welcome dialogue between many of those involved it is important the group that raised the money for this project is included in any negotiations or discussions with the hospital. This is about the delivery of the best possible outcome for patients. I am sure everybody wants to ensure that these beds are opened, thereby improving the health care provided to patients with cystic fibrosis.
The development of special facilities at Cork University Hospital for people with cystic fibrosis has been possible because of the tremendous fund-raising efforts and dedication of those involved in Build4Life in raising the necessary capital investment required. A great tribute is due to all involved with Build4Life who, since its establishment in 2007, have raised €3.4 million to develop a range of in-patient and outpatient cystic fibrosis facilitates. It is important a resolution is found to this impasse and that the investment by Government, the HSE and Build4Life is brought to fruition, thereby delivering access to isolated beds and other facilities for patients with cystic fibrosis.