Cystic Fibrosis

The Adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Service for Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales, Isle of Man and surrounding areas was established at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital in 2003.

The service aims to offer the best facilities and services to all patients that transfer to our care and currently cares for approximately 220 patients.

Transition

Patients are transferred from the paediatric sector between the ages of 16 and 18. This is a well planned transition process that involves close liaison with the paediatric teams at the Royal Liverpool Childrens Hospital and other referring hospitals.

Clinics

Routine clinics, attended by the multidisciplinary team, are held on Mondays and Tuesdays. Patients are allocated to these clinics based on their sputum microbiological status. The service operates a strict segregation policy in keeping with this. If patients need to be seen outside routine clinic times, this is facilitated by the nursing and medical teams. Medical social workers are based within the hospital.

Role of the Clinical Psychologist

The Clinical Psychologist works with the Cystic Fibrosis team to help patients cope with emotional and psychologist aspects of living with CF. The psychologist can help the emotional and psychological difficulties associated with medical investigations and/or treatment , as well as other problems (e.g. anxiety, depression and concern about relationships). The psychologist sometimes works by seeing patients for individual sessions, and occasionally involves other members of the team in working together to solve problems. The approach taken depends on individual needs and circumstances, and will always be agreed with patients before work begins.

Research

Research plays an integral part in the care of our Cystic Fibrosis patients. All members of the multidisciplinary team are actively encouraged to participate in research and audit in line with clinical governance. In keeping with this, the team have undertaken projects that have addressed all aspects of Cystic Fibrosis care, many of which have altered local, UK and worldwide practice.

Role of the Cystic Fibrosis Nurse

The team of Cystic Fibrosis Nurse Specialists at LHCH are hospital based, whilst offering support to the patients within the community. They have a multi faceted role that incorporates all aspects of Cystic Fibrosis care. They offer education and training for staff and patients, attend clinics and ward rounds and offer a home visit service. Their role means that they are actively involved in all the stages of Cystic Fibrosis care from diagnosis and screening, to transplant and palliative care. Other aspects of the role include: