Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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229. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the current impasse at Cork University Hospital regarding the use of the cystic fibrosis ward by other patients whose infections may result in severe damage to cystic fibrosis patients. [3366/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the proposed CF Unit in CUH will have 20 beds, 10 of which will be designated for patients with CF, eight within the unit with two additional isolation beds provided in the Renal Unit. I have been assured that patients with CF will have priority access to these ten beds at all times.

The situation that has now arisen in relation to the development of this Unit is regrettable. The ring fencing of beds for CF patients has been an issue in other hospitals around the country but has been resolved through written agreements and good operational procedures. I understand that the HSE and Build4Life are now in a process and that a number of engagements have taken place. I note that Cystic Fibrosis Ireland has expressed its confidence that, following discussions, an agreement can be drawn up that will allow building to commence and I too am hopeful that this matter can be brought to a satisfactory conclusion in the near future. The key issue is that patients with CF are assured that sufficient beds will be available when they are needed, but at the same time, when beds are not needed for CF patients, they can be freed up for other very ill patients with respiratory and other conditions.

In relation to the issue of infections raised by the Deputy, I have been assured by the HSE that CF patients will be accommodated in isolation rooms which will separate them from other patients on the ward. In the event of a non CF patient occupying the isolation room, the room will be decontaminated before being occupied again. This policy applies to all rooms whether occupied by CF patients or non CF patients.