Dáil criticised over cystic fibrosis issue

INDEPENDENT TD Finian McGrath urged the Dáil to end the talk about stags and greyhounds and deal with real issues such as cystic fibrosis services in Dublin.

He said if it was possible to deliver the new €3.6 million cystic fibrosis unit at Beaumont Hospital by this month, there was no reason not to have the €20 million project at St Vincent’s hospital built by next year.

“It is criminal to still have cystic fibrosis patients in wards and accident and emergency units dealing with cross-infections, when they urgently need en suite rooms.There should be no more talk or waffle. The unit should be built.’’

Minister for Health Mary Harney said the main project which would greatly enhance hospital facilities for patients was the new 100-bed block at St Vincent’s.

The hospital, which had been meticulous in the manner in which it had conducted the public tender process, was confident the bidder would be in a position to finance and begin construction.

“The site has been cleared and the construction period is 18 months,’’ said Ms Harney.

During a special debate on cystic fibrosis services, Ms Harney said St Vincent’s had about 65 beds which were used for respiratory patients, including cystic fibrosis patients, who required isolation. The new facilities would have en suite accommodation as well as a 10-bed treatment room with en suite sanitary services.

Fine Gael spokesman, Dr James Reilly, said there could be all the excuses in the world, but the reality was that patients would continue to suffer.

Labour’s Mary Upton said that up to 30 young people were now waiting for a lung transplant and well enough to receive it.

Sinn Féin’s Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said it was almost unbelievable that they had to, yet again, raise the “desperate plight’’ of cystic fibrosis sufferers.