Donor programme need for cystic fibrosis

Ireland has the highest rate of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) in the world as well as the most severe types, but Irish CF patients do not have sufficient access to quality healthcare.

“The present situation in Ireland is completely inadequate,” according to Phillip Watt, CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland (CFAI).

“The failure of the Government to implement a national organ donor programme is causing us to fall far behind our EU counterparts in standards of care for people with Cystic Fibrosis.”

The CFAI are responding to the perceived public policy vacuum by holding a roundtable discussion with key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and parents.

They aim to outline a strategy that will call for the establishment of a national organ donor registry, better transplant co-ordination within hospitals and the speedy enactment of the upcoming Human Tissues Bill.

“Despite Ireland having a relatively high proportion of organ donors, people are dying waiting for transplants,” said Mr Watt — speaking to IMT. – Irish Medical Times