Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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246. To ask the Minister for Health if he will support a new Cystic Fibrosis 13 bed unit at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin and if he would make this a priority for 2013 [35573/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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This Government is acutely aware of the challenges that people with cystic fibrosis and their families face in managing their condition and I acknowledge the need to ensure that patients with cystic fibrosis receive the right care at the right time and in the right environment – that is, dedicated accommodation in an environment which allows appropriate isolation for improved infection control. There have been a number of developments in this area in recent years including a new purpose-built dedicated Ambulatory Outpatient facility at Beaumont for patients with Cystic Fibrosis which opened in 2010/2011. Other developments in recent years include the provision of specialist adult and paediatric centres at a number of hospitals and screening of newborns for cystic fibrosis, which was introduced in July 2011. Babies diagnosed through newborn screening have improved nutrition, improved lung function, fewer admissions to hospital, require fewer antibiotics and have improved survival rates.

The work of the National Clinical Programme for Cystic Fibrosis will provide the framework for a national standardised approach to care across the health system, with a continued emphasis on ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, high quality care. It is one of a number of Clinical Programmes which overall have three main objectives – to improve the quality of care, to improve access and to improve cost-effectiveness.

In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, I have referred the matter to the HSE and asked that it reply directly to him.