New cystic fibrosis unit at Beaumont now a step closer

A NEW 20-bed Cystic Fibrosis Unit promised for Beaumont Hospital has moved a step closer. 

Minister for Disabilities Finian McGrath has confirmed that the necessary planning application for the facility has been submitted to the planning authorities. 

Minister McGrath said he demanded that delivery of the much-needed facility would be put in the Programme for Government.

“It’s great news for all cystic fibrosis patients and their families to have the three-storey in-patient unit on the Northside of Dublin,” he said.

Minister McGrath thanked and commended the patients, their families, the chief executive of Beaumont Hospital Ian Carter and the Cystic Fibrosis Association for their support. 

The facility will comprise a two-storey block with a lower ground storey for plant equipment. The block will contain 20 lobbied and ensuite single rooms. 

There will be 10 single rooms on each floor with associated support facilities around a central nurse base.

The two storeys of patient accommodation will be connected into the main hospital through a corridor link.
There will be the provision of appropriate ‘drop-off’ facilities to permit entry into the CF unit directly as and when required. This will be clearly marked, will be safe and convenient and comply with all appropriate standards.

The new facility is designed specifically to meet the needs of CF patients. It ensures that the outpatient and inpatient services are all in the same unit. 

It takes into account the needs of severely debilitated CF patients, ensuring ground floor access and an entrance which is separate to that of the main hospital. 

It is designed to provide adequate isolation facilities to ensure the mandatory infection control measures required for CF patients.

The programme of works, if commenced and delivered aggressively and without unforeseeable delay is estimated at 24 months. 

The estimated cost of the new facility will be just under €11 million.