Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

I am delighted to be a voice for cystic fibrosis sufferers and to highlight the issue on their behalf. There are approximately 1,100 sufferers in the State and life can be difficult for them. I wish to raise the issue of facilities for cystic fibrosis sufferers in the mid-west region. Cystic fibrosis is Ireland's most common life-threatening inherited disease, with one in 19 people carriers of the CF gene. CF affects the glands and damages many organs, including the lungs and the digestive system, and sufferers are prone to constant chest infections and malnutrition. Many advances have been made in recent years but more remains to be done.

There are approximately 1,100 CF sufferers in Ireland and we all hear stories of how sick they are and how they are afraid to enter hospital in case they pick up an infection, such as MRSA or C. difficile. The situation is more acute for CF patients because many of them are afraid they will die. They cannot mix with other patients and going through an accident and emergency department is not an option. I recently witnessed a case of a 19 year old who was afraid to go to an accident and emergency department because he thought he would pick up an infection and die and we had to try to bypass the department to have him admitted to hospital.

Approximately 30 CF patients from County Clare attend for treatment at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick. The current CF service at the hospital is provided by two consultant respiratory physicians providing inpatient and outpatient services in addition to their normal work. A full-time consultant with a speciality in CF is required. The present consultant is due to retire and when the position is advertised, a consultant with a speciality in CF should be appointed. The provision of a dedicated adult outpatient unit is also essential. Such a unit is available for children but adults cannot avail of same.

Progress has been made in some areas and funding was allocated in 2006 and 2007 to put in place a full medical multidisciplinary team, following an audit by the HSE in 2005 of the staffing levels at the hospital. However, while a number of positions have been filled, there is serious concern regarding the position of two CF nurse specialist positions, which have not been advertised, even though funding has been allocated. When will these positions be advertised and filled?

There are also other issues. For example, Internet access is not available in the CF area of the hospital for immobilised patients and no television remote controls are available. I recently met representatives of the Clare branch of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and they outlined the stories of the battles they fight every day for services. I met a woman whose son died six weeks ago aged 23 and I admire her courage in playing a part with the association to highlight the plight of other sufferers. I was amazed by her strength in speaking about her son's plight. She wants to do something for other CF sufferers in County Clare. I hope that news of cutbacks will not affect progress on this matter. CF patients and their families cannot wait and I urge the Minister of State to put in place the facilities in Limerick regional hospital because they deserve a better quality of life.

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