Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to plans to provide dedicated facilities, including a day unit and patient beds, at Cork University Hospital for adult cystic fibrosis patients; and the funding that has been committed for the provision of such facilities. [14910/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I have identified the enhancement of services to persons with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) as a key priority over recent years. Additional revenue refunding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive (HSE) since 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of specialist staff in this area. The detailed application of this funding across the various hospital networks is a matter for the Executive.

Over the past number of years there has been a significant investment in CF services at Cork University Hospital (CUH). In 2006, the HSE allocated over €700,000 revenue funding to CUH to enhance services for people with CF. Towards the end of 2007, the Southern Hospitals Group received an additional allocation of €293,000 in respect of CF. These additional funds have resulted in a 300% increase in staffing levels for the CF Unit in the CUH.

The HSE has informed me that, while CUH does not have a purpose built CF Unit, every effort is made by bed management staff to accommodate patients in appropriate settings on admission to the hospital. A Statement of Need for Adult Cystic Fibrosis Services is being prepared by the hospital. This will set out the requirements for both day- and in-patient facilities to accommodate the caseload of adult patients and enable CF services to be delivered by the multidisciplinary team in line with best practice. The management at CUH has indicated that it is fully committed to the further development of CF facilities at the hospital and has been in regular contact with the Cystic Fibrosis Association to keep it apprised of developments.

I understand that the CUH Management has also indicated its commitment to working with the Build4Life group in providing monetary support to the in the development of services for CF patients.