The possibility of accommodating cystic fibrosis (CF) patients in single rooms in private hospitals until proper facilities are provided for them in the public system will be looked at, the Minster for Health said yesterday.
Mary Harney was responding to complaints about the appalling state of facilities for CF patients, especially at the national referral centre at Dublin's St Vincent's hospital.
The lack of isolation facilities at the hospital for CF patients, who are prone to picking up infections from other patients, was condemned in a report by UK consultant Dr Ronnie Pollock, published in 2005. The report said the lack of segregation and isolation for CF patients in the hospital was "dangerous".
The HSE has said new en suite rooms will be provided at St Vincent's for CF patients, but this will take two years.
Independent TD Finian McGrath has suggested that in the interim private beds at the Beacon Hospital in south Dublin should be used.
Responding, Ms Harney said she was open to anything that worked for patients. The idea would be looked at to see whether it was possible to combine the clinical expertise now available at St Vincent's with physical facilities at the Beacon.
"Clearly there would be tendering issues and cost issues, but as Minister for Health and Children I am open to any suggestion that works in the interests of patients."
She stressed that since she became Minister for Health some €9 million had been invested in CF services.
"There's been huge improvements in this area, but clearly there is room for more improvement, in particular access to isolation facilities.
"And I know Prof Drumm is a very strong fan as a former doctor treating CF patients of more supports at home and not placing such a heavy emphasis on hospital-based support."
Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore said patients with CF and their families had been badly let down by the State.
"Government Ministers regularly tell us that we are one of the economic wonders of the world. Why is it then that, despite unprecedented economic growth over the past 15 years, we have failed to put the basic facilities in place to treat the condition, and that as a result life expectancy of those with cystic fibrosis is way below levels in other developed countries.
"Steps must be taken to expedite the provision of the long-promised dedicated isolation unit at St Vincent's hospital in Dublin. In the meantime beds must be found, in private hospitals if necessary, to provide separate facilities and reduce the risk of cross-infection."