THE 20-bed cystic fibrosis unit at the Cork University Hospital will finally open to patients this weekend following months of delays.
Staff shortages in the hospital meant the €2.3m unit, which was supposed to open in March following years of fund-raising by Build4Life, will now open on Sunday.
One of the isolation rooms in the Cystic Fibrosis unit at the CUH.
The HSE said the dedicated adult cystic fibrosis and respiratory ward can now open following a successful recruitment campaign. The CUH previously said they could not open the unit, which was completed in January, because they would lose eight medical inpatient beds in the hospital due to the extra staffing requirements for the CF unit.
CUH has the second largest adult CF centre in Ireland and caters for the needs of over 160 adult CF patients from across Munster.
Professor Barry Plant, who heads the unit, welcomed the opening and said it is an exciting development in the on-going evolution of CF medicine at CUH.
“We believe that these designated and protected beds will enhance the inpatient and outpatient care for all patients and will be a major support to the CF healthcare team in providing best patient care, in line with best international practice.
“We are very grateful for the on-going support of the philanthropic organisations and industry sponsors, especially Build4Life, who have in partnership with the HSE, made this state-of-the-art Cystic Fibrosis and Respiratory ward happen.”
Cork North Central TD and Junior Minister, Kathleen Lynch, said the opening of the unit was a long time coming but was very good news.
“This is a state-of-the-art unit and is quite incredible in terms of its infection control, its IT equipment and other facilities. It is a huge advantage to the Cork, Kerry and Munster region,” she said.
Joe Browne of Build4Life said: “This is good news, we have waited a long time for this and started fund-raising nine years ago for the unit.”