Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 324: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he will support the proposed dedicated 34-bed cystic fibrosis unit at St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin. [5190/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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A new ward block to replace existing accommodation is being developed at St Vincent's University Hospital and this will provide single room en-suite inpatient accommodation and a dedicated day unit for people with CF, including 12 single day treatment rooms with en-suite sanitary facilities.

I am wholly committed to the completion of this project, and together with St Vincent's University Hospital and the HSE, we are taking every possible step in order to ensure earliest possible delivery of the new ward block.

This new building will provide 100 new inpatient beds in total. It will accommodate the needs of patients with cystic fibrosis and many other patients whose medical requirements necessitate single en suite facilities. This reflects best practice in terms of infection control.

Completion for service delivery is expected in early 2012. The project is on track and within budget.

There are currently 63 beds at St. Vincent's Hospital used for respiratory/cystic fibrosis services. The physical infrastructure has been significantly enhanced through the refurbishment in 2008 of accommodation to provide eight single en suite rooms for the exclusive use of people with cystic fibrosis.

The hospital's management works closely with the cystic fibrosis clinicians to ensure that the needs of cystic fibrosis patients requiring inpatient treatment are met within the overall bed complement at the hospital. The hospital currently treats over 50% of the CF adult population.

The HSE is now working with St. Vincent's to identify opportunities for patients who do not require tertiary level care to be treated close to home where adult services have been developed in the other specialist centres.