There is something grotesque about a situation where life or death outcomes may be mediated through a political deal struck by Government with an Independent TD. Yet that is the claim made by Finian McGrath who says Taoiseach Bertie Ahern undertook to increase State funding for cystic fibrosis in return for his support in the Dáil. Those directly affected would probably applaud Mr McGrath's interest. But the arrangement encapsulates much of what is wrong with our health services. Medical need, rather than a backstairs political deal, should always direct health policy.
Political intervention, inadequate management and professional in-fighting have all contributed to the difficulties of a health system where those vested interests that make most noise are likely to prevail. In the process, the needs of the patient can be relegated to second or third place. That happened long ago to cystic fibrosis patients. And while the situation has altered in recent years, their lives are still being put at risk because of inadequate hospital services. While advances in medication, treatment and life expectancy have taken place, patients here may die 10 years earlier than their counterparts in Britain or the United States.
The availability of isolation facilities is the critical issue. Because of their condition, those who develop cystic fibrosis are particularly vulnerable to cross-infection when they enter hospital for treatment. They may die as a consequence. Unfortunately, our hospitals are not particularly clean or safe places. The number of isolation and en-suite rooms is extremely limited. The continuing use of trolleys in overcrowded A&E wards is a national disgrace. For a vulnerable patient, it is the equivalent of a bear pit.
There have been some improvements. Funding to recruit medical staff and provide home services became available in the past few years. Recently the Health Service Executive undertook to provide dedicated isolation facilities as a priority. Half of all CF patients receive treatment through St Vincent's hospital. The intention is to allocate en-suite rooms to their care in a new facility there. But building work may take two years. And that initiative does not address the isolation needs of other patients who attend Beaumont Hospital.
Public debate on these issues was sparked by Orla Tinsley when she wrote a courageous article on these pages last week. A series of interviews by Joe Duffy on RTÉ's Liveline programme emphasised the effect on families and the appallingly inadequate services that shorten young lives. There is no avoiding the harsh reality: people are dying because of a lack of isolation facilities. This has been known to officialdom for years. A dedicated unit was planned for St Vincent's more than a decade ago. Nothing happened. Now there is talk of renting rooms, on an emergency basis, in a private hospital. It piles insult on injury. The Government has failed in its duty of care to these vulnerable citizens.