Madam, - The current debate has finally focused the voices of people with cystic fibrosis, their families, friends and the general public. These voices hauntingly express anger, frustration and desperation.
It is vitally important that we now hear the voice of commitment and hope, not tentative words but firm irrevocable commitment.
This commitment must deliver:
1. Concrete plans and a timeline for construction of a dedicated CF unit at St Vincent's University Hospital.
2. Thirty-four interim isolation beds with appropriate staffing at St Vincent's University Hospital.
3. Concrete plans and a timeline for a dedicated CF day centre at Cork University Hospital.
4. A dedicated CF inpatient unit at both Cork University Hospital and University Hospital Galway within two years.
5. Action on the recommendations made in the unpublished findings of the HSE's CF working group.
The cystic fibrosis issue is not going to go away. If the political will is there it can be solved once and for all. - Yours, etc,
GODFREY J. FLETCHER, CEO, The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland, Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin 6.