Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister very much for his response and his commitment in this area. He has made progress, but more progress is needed, which will no doubt require more money in due course. I am here to make the case that extra isolation room beds are needed as soon as possible. At present, 120 patients with cystic fibrosis attend Beaumont Hospital and best practice is that isolation room beds for 10% of this number, which is 12, should be provided at Beaumont Hospital. This is an international rule of thumb. I accept the fact that the HSE is examining this and will include it in its 2015 national service plan, and that it recognises that four beds are not enough when it should be three times this number.

There is an issue with regard to the fact that patients here have a shorter life expectancy than elsewhere. No doubt this can be examined further. Improvements and more isolation beds are needed. I ask the Minister to respond by saying he is committed to increasing the number of beds from four. It would be very much appreciated.

See this speech in context