The lack of segregation at the State's main cystic fibrosis treatment hospital is creating conditions that could lead to legal actions on the scale of the hepatitis C infection scandal, a study has claimed.
A report published today says most adults with cystic fibrosis in Ireland are being treated in facilities that are "dangerous". The Health Service Executive (HSE) immediately responded to the report, saying it will set up a working group to examine its recommendations.
In the study, Dr RM Pollock said the lack of segregation and isolation facilities at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin is creating "significant risks" of cross-infection for patients.
This hospital treats nearly 60 per cent of the country's adult cystic fibrosis patients.
He said that if there was an outbreak of a virulent organism at the hospital, "it could lead to litigation similar to that which surrounded the hepatitis C infection scandal".
Dr Pollock said staffing levels in cystic fibrosis treatment, at more than 400 per cent below the minimum accepted standard, are "dangerously inadequate".
"For example there are less than the equivalent of four consultants treating more than 1,100 patients with cystic fibrosis in Ireland — there should be 29 consultants. Nationally, there are the equivalent of 40 professional cystic fibrosis staff providing treatment when there should be 175."
The external review of cystic fibrosis facilities was commissioned by the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland (CFAI) and carried out during 2003/2004.
CFAI said it accepts all 11 recommendations in Dr Pollock's report and that it is seeking urgent action in four key areas.
- The implementation of a national cystic fibrosis service costing an estimated capital investment of €13.5 million and a further €9 million annually for extra staff;
- an €8 million investment in the National Adult Cystic Fibrosis Referral Centre at St Vincent's hospital;
- the establishment of a microbiology reference laboratory
- the establishment of a neo-natal screening programme for early detection and treatment.
CFAI said early detection of the condition can result in early treatment, which can result in longer life for patients.
Chairman, Mr Carl Rainey, said the report was the blueprint for the future of cystic fibrosis services in Ireland.
He called on the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to recognise "the crisis" and take the appropriate action to relieve the hardship for patients.
"Ireland has the highest incidence of cystic fibrosis in the world yet our facilities are among the worst," Mr Rainey said.
Mr Rainey added that the association has regularly highlighted the "bleak facilities" that patients endure.
"Patients need services that minimise the potential for cross-infection and access to appropriate professional multi-disciplinary teams. These are not luxuries. They are rights. There are entitlements. They are life saving necessities," he said.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) said it welcomes the report.
Mr Pat McLoughlin, director of the HSE's National Hospital's Office, said he will "immediately accede to the request of the association to establish a working group to examine the report and its recommendations".
The Labour Party's spokeswoman on health, Ms Liz McManus urged the Minister for Health to address the findings of the report immediately. She has tabled questions to Ms Harney which will be dealt with in the Dáil on Thursday.
She said the call for more pecialist centres for CF sufferers must be implemented by Ms Harney.
"his is a condition which requires expert and speedy treatment or the sufferer and it is obvious that the issues highlighted in the eport indicate that this necessity is not being met," Ms McManus said.
"The lack of adequate services around the country for cystic fibrosis sufferers means a lower life expectancy for those affected. I support the recommendation made for more specialist centres which would be fully funded and staffed to provide the best level of care."