This article is from page 2 of the 2008-07-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
CONCERNS have been expressed over the level of service for cystic fi- brosis (CF) sufferers in Clare.
Fine Gael TD Pat Breen told the Dail that around 30 cystic fibrosis patients in the county are attending for treatment at the Mid-Western Re- gional Hospital in Limerick.
He said that a full time consultant was needed to enhance the level of available care.
“The present consultant is due to retire and when the position is adver- tised, a consultant with a speciality in CF should be appointed. The pro- vision of a dedicated adult outpatient
unit 1s also essential. Such a unit is available for children but adults can- not avail of same,’ he said.
“Progress has been made in some areas and funding was allocated in 2006 and 2007 to put in place a full medical multidisciplinary team, fol- lowing an audit by the HSE in 2005 of the staffing levels at the hospital. However, while a number of posi- tions have been filled, there is seri- ous concern regarding the position of two CF nurse specialist positions, which have not been advertised, even though funding has been allocated. When will these positions be adver- tised and filled?” he asked.
“I recently met representatives of
the Clare branch of the Cystic Fi- brosis Association of Ireland and they outlined the stories of the bat- tles they fight every day for services. I met a woman whose son died six weeks ago, aged 23, and I admire her courage in playing a part with the association to highlight the plight of other sufferers. I was amazed by her strength in speaking about her son’s plight. She wants to do something for other CF sufferers in County Clare.”
In response, Minister for State, Mary Wallace, said that the HSE had advised that “An audit of CF staffing at the Mid-Western Regional Hosp1- tal was carried out in 2005. The HSE has since earmarked funding for the
creation of 8.5 additional posts to en- hance both the adult and paediatric CF service.
“The additional staff include a con- sultant respiratory physician with a special interest in cystic fibrosis and a consultant paediatrician with a special interest in respiratory medi- cine, supported by specialist nurses, a physiotherapist, a dietician, a social worker, a pharmacist and a medical scientist post. The HSE has advised that the dietician, the social worker and 0.5 of the physiotherapist post have been filled, the consultant posts are under consideration and it is in the process of recruiting the remain- ing posts.”