A DEDICATED nine-bed unit for adult cystic fibrosis (CF) sufferers in the midwest at Limerick’s Mid-West Regional Hospital is to be “a strong beacon of hope” for young adult CF sufferers in the region.
That is the view of Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland chief executive Philip Watt, who was yesterday commenting on Limerick County Council giving the go-ahead for an €11 million medical centre at the hospital.
The seven-storey centre is part funded by about €4 million raised by the JP McManus Pro-Am golf classic. As well as the CF unit, the plan also includes a neurological centre/acute stroke inpatient centre and specialist breast and dermatology outpatient units.
“We are absolutely delighted. Two storeys of the building will be given over to cystic fibrosis. There has been an historic deficit of adult services for cystic fibrosis in Ireland. There are very, very few adult beds in the country and this development will make a huge difference,” Mr Watt said.
Up until now, the regional hospital has only had three dedicated CF beds and according to the planning documents, they “are located on medical wards, without isolation facilities, which presents a very real threat of cross-infection”.
Construction work is not contingent on Health Service Executive funding as the capital costs are being funded entirely by charitable donations.
Work is expected to begin next July and be complete by December 2012.
