In a significant milestone for healthcare in Ireland, the official commencement of the new Cystic Fibrosis In-Patient Unit was celebrated onsite at Beaumont Hospital last week. Leading Cavan-based main contractor, Elliott Group, began works on the site earlier this year, marking the beginning of a much-anticipated project that promises to greatly enhance the quality of care for Cystic Fibrosis patients.

The event was attended by representatives from Beaumont Hospital, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, and local former charity CF Hopesource, alongside members of the construction and design team; Elliott Group, Scott Tallon Walker Architects, Punch Consultant Engineers, Homan O’Brien, O’Reilly Hyland Tierney and Associates, Jensen Hughes, Catalyst, and Linesight. Guests were given the opportunity to visit the active construction site, where the substructure is being completed for the 20-bed inpatient unit.

The facility, which is expected to be completed by October 2025, has been skilfully developed by Scott Tallon Walker Architects. Their vision brings to life a state-of-the-art space featuring single inpatient isolation rooms with en-suite facilities, along with comprehensive support and treatment amenities that set a new standard in healthcare design.

David Sweeney, Interim CEO of Beaumont Hospital, welcomed commencement of construction. “This is a truly exciting time as we reach this significant milestone for the new Cystic Fibrosis in-patient facility.  As part of a broader vision for Beaumont Hospital, we are looking forward to realisation of this project in the context of future capital development initiatives,” he remarked.

Former local charity, CF Hopesource began campaigning for the unit in 2002, and joined forces with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland to undertake major advocacy and fundraising drives, raising a combined contribution of almost €1 million towards the cost of the unit.

Sarah Tecklenborg, Interim CEO CFI commented “We are delighted to see the construction of the long awaited 20 room inpatient unit under way. A result of 20 years of collaborative effort and partnership between Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, CF Hopesource, CF clinical teams, Beaumont Hospital and the HSE. The unit will provide the highest standards of care and facilities for people living with CF now and into the future. CFI and the CF community are so grateful to everyone involved in making this build happen.”

The event also welcomed Mary McLoughlin, co-founder of the CF Hopesource Charity Foundation alongside Maeve Mullen, reflected on the foundation’s beginnings as a group of parents united in their campaign for better research and care. Visiting the site, they commented: “Thank you to everyone who has contributed funds over the years to CF Hopesource and CF Ireland. Thanks also to everyone who has lobbied for the unit. To Beaumont Hospital for all their work, and to the CF team who work tirelessly for the CF community, and of course to Elliott Group and everybody involved in the design and  construction for bringing this project to life. The future is bright with this unit. It will keep people will CF well and allow them to take advantage of new medicines and improvements in CF care that are in the pipeline.”

Cystic Fibrosis specialist staff, including leading Cystic Fibrosis researcher Professor Ger McElvaney and Senior Respiratory Physician Professor Cedric Gunaratnam were also present. Professor McElvaney acknowledged the exceptional work of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and the CF Hopesource Foundation in making this unit a reality. He highlighted the significance of the day, stating, “An rud is annamh is iontach,” which translates to “what is seldom, is wonderful.”

Kevin Bates, Scott Tallon Walker Architects’ Healthcare Director said of the project “Beaumont Hospital’s new dedicated Cystic Fibrosis Unit will form part of the National Clinical Care Programme for Cystic Fibrosis (NCPCF) and we are delighted to lead the design team in providing this state-of-the-art treatment facility. The 20 single-occupancy, high dependency PPVL bedrooms in this new in-patient unit, integrated with the Main Hospital, will ensure seamless access to comprehensive, dignified medical care for Cystic Fibrosis patients in the years ahead.”

Gary O’Sullivan, Construction Director at Elliott Group, expressed his pride in being part of this landmark project. “Elliott Group has a long-standing tradition of excellence in healthcare construction, and we are now honoured to contribute to the development of this long-awaited unit. Speaking with guests today really brings home the immense efforts that have gone into this project to date, and the lasting impact it will have on future generations,” he said.

This new facility not only represents a leap forward in Cystic Fibrosis care within Ireland but also sets a standard for similar facilities worldwide. The commitment and collaboration of all involved ensure that this unit will make a profound impact on the lives of Cystic Fibrosis patients for years to come.

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