Project to build a new Paediatric Outpatient Unit for Patients with Cystic Fibrosis underway at Galway University Hospitals

Work on a new Outpatient unit for children with cystic fibrosis at Galway University Hospitals commenced today when the first sod was turned on the new build.
 
The new unit will cost approximately €590k with €250k being funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Association and the balance by the hospital and the HSE. The new unit will include four examination rooms, a treatment room for procedures and a gym for assessment and physiotherapy and it will be located behind the existing Paediatric Outpatient Department on the grounds of University Hospital Galway.
 
Bill Maher, CEO, West /North West Hospitals Group said, “This is a very good day for Galway and I’m delighted that we are officially starting this project after months of careful planning between the hospital and Cystic Fibrosis Galway.
 
“Cystic Fibrosis is Ireland’s most common genetically inherited fatal disease. In Ireland approx 1 in 19 carry the CF gene, compared with 1 in 25 in UK. We currently have 32 paediatric patients with CF under the care of the hospital (and 37 adults). The new unit will be a dedicated specialist facility for day care and outpatient services and will allow us to treat children in an optimal physical environment to reduce the risk of infection which can have a serious impact for patients with CF.”
 
Mary Lane Heneghan, Chair of Cystic Fibrosis Galway said, “I would like to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of all the people who helped us raise the funds for our contribution to the project. In particular I would like to thank Marian Keane who is donating the proceeds from the sale of a house that was bequeathed to her family. This is an incredible donation and one that will have a meaningful and long term impact on the treatment of children with cystic fibrosis. I’m delighted that Marian could join us here today to officially turn the sod for the new building”.
 
Photo Details
At the sod turning for a new Paediatric Outpatient Unit for patients with Cystic Fibrosis at Galway University Hospitals, from left: Mary Lane Heneghan, Chair of Cystic Fibrosis Galway; Maureen Fitzhenry; Marian Keane and Bill Maher, CEO, West / North West Hospitals Group. Marian Keane, who turned the sod for the new unit, and her mother Maureen Fitzhenry are donating the proceeds from the sale of a house that was bequeathed to the family to Cystic Fibrosis Galway which in turn will part fund the new unit.