Services for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) have been hit by significant cutbacks since the start of Ireland's economic crisis, including staff shortages and delays in developing and opening essential hospital facilities, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) has said.

According to the charity, which works to improve the treatment of people with CF, key facilities need to be upgraded urgently.

"It continues to be the case that there are no CF specialist centres north of a line from Dublin to Galway, with people relying on smaller shared-care centres for treatment. There is also the ongoing delay in the development of the new national children's hospital where all children with CF will be treated," noted CFI chief executive, Philip Watt.

CF is a hereditary disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. It is caused by a defective gene, which along with its protein product, causes the body to produce unusually thick and sticky mucous.

This mucous clogs the lungs, leading to potentially life-threatening lung infections. It also obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from aiding the body to break down and absorb food.

In the 1950s, most people with CF died in their first few years of life, but now, due to major medical advances, people can live well into adulthood.

According to CFI, there are a number of key infrastructural developments that must be addressed urgently, including:
-A need to increase the number of inpatient rooms for CF patients at Dublin's Beaumont Hospital from seven to 20. This hospital treats over 150 adults with CF on an ongoing basis
-Additional funding of €1 million for staff costs in order to open the new CF unit in University Hospital Limerick, which was built as a result of charitable fundraising efforts
-The commencement of a new paediatric ward block, incorporating a new CF unit for children, at Cork University Hospital.

The call for more investment in CF facilities came at the launch of the charity's annual '65 Roses' awareness and fundraising appeal, which will run from April 20-26.

As part of this event, which aims to raise €100,000, volunteers will be selling 65 Roses pins and silk purple roses. All money raised will be spent on CF research, health facilities and the provision of grant assistance for a range of expenses faced by affected patients.

If you would like to get involved with the 65 Roses event or would like more information about CF, contact CFI on 1890 311 211 or click here