Official opening of the Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Unit at University Hospital Galway

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD officially opened the new Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Unit at University Hospital Galway today, Monday 28 July.
 
The new unit is a dedicated specialist facility for day care and outpatient services for children with cystic fibrosis where they can be treated in an optimal physical environment to reduce the risk of infection, which can have a serious impact for patients with CF.
 
The unit is located adjacent to the existing Paediatric Unit on the grounds of University Hospital Galway. The new unit stands alone and is accessed by a walkway from the Paediatric Unit.
 
The new unit cost approximately €590k to construct with €250k funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Association and the balance funded by the hospital group and the HSE.
 
Bill Maher, CEO of the West / North West Hospitals Group commented, “This is a significant day for the hospital and an important development for the 38 paediatric patients with CF under the care of the hospital at the moment.
 
“The new unit includes four examination rooms, a treatment room for procedures and a gym for assessment and physiotherapy along with support services. The unit has been equipped with all the necessary hygiene facilities to reduce the risk of infection, which is critically important for this group of patients.
 
“Cystic Fibrosis Galway made a presentation to the Board of the West/ North West Hospitals Group in May 2013 at which the Board agreed to access matching funds from the HSE capital programme.
 
“Enabling works for the project started last December and construction commenced in January. The contractors have handed the unit over to the hospital and it is currently being equipped. It is anticipated that the first patients will be seen in the unit in September.”
 
Mary Lane Heneghan of CF Galway stated, “This is a welcome development for children with CF who now will have a dedicated facility designed specifically to meet their needs for day care and outpatient activity.  It is also a very good example of what can be achieved by all parties- CF Galway together with CF Ireland and the West/North West Hospitals group and HSE-working together. 
 
Photo Details:
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD officially opened the new Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Unit at University Hospital Galway on Monday 28 July. From left: Ann Cosgrove, General Manager, GUH; Bill Maher, CEO, West/North West Hospitals Group; An Taoiseach; Mary Lane Heneghan, Chair of CF Galway; Colette Cowan, Chief Director of Nursing and Midwifery, West/North West Hospitals Group; John Killeen, Interim Chair, West/North West Hospitals Group; Fiona Curley, Dietitian, GUH; and Dr Mary Herzig, General and Respiratory Consultant Paediatrician.