Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease affecting almost 11,000 children and adults in the UK. Thick, sticky mucus clogs up in the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body causing problems that need treatment. Unfortunately, CF remains life limiting, however early diagnosis and treatment in a specialist CF centre helps in preserving health and a good quality of life. Although individuals with CF must maintain a life-long, daily and complex treatment regimen, they can continue with school, work and social lives with friends and family.

We are one of the largest CF centres in Europe with approximately 600 adults. As well as an active clinical service, we lead and take part in many national and international research studies in partnership with Royal Brompton Hospital’s paediatric CF service. We aim for high-quality, evidence-based healthcare in a supportive and caring atmosphere.

The multidisciplinary team

The specialist multidisciplinary CF team (CF-MDT) is made up of many different professionals including consultants, clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists, pharmacists, researchers, secretaries and administrators. The CF-MDT do a daily ward round, review day-cases and hold several different virtual clinics throughout the week. The CNSs are on the end of the phone and email during the week to help with all queries. The physios, as well as working on the ward, provide clinic reviews, airway clearance reviews and exercise sessions. The dietitians support nutritional issues, including CF related diabetes and enteral feeding, as well as ward and clinic reviews.

The adult CF service has close links with teams across the Trust as well as specialists from other hospitals including: 

• Cardiothoracic surgeons
• Ear, nose and throat specialists
• Endocrinologists
• Gastroenterologists
• Haematologists
• Liver transplant
• Lung transplant
• Microbiologists
• Obstetric teams
• Palliative care
• Pain management
• Rheumatologists
• Renal specialists
• Radiologists
• School team

Clinics

We offer three CF follow-up clinics a week on Monday, Tuesday and Friday.

We offer both face-to-face and virtual clinics, which are available each week. Each clinic is staffed with at least two consultants, plus junior doctors, physiotherapists, dietitians, pharmacists, and clinical nurse specialists. Additionally, there are monthly CF-related diabetes, maternal health and gastroenterology clinics in partnership with colleagues from Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

All clinics are closed during UK bank holidays (England and Wales).

Day review

The day ward is available for reviewing of and treatment planning for patients, including home intravenous antibiotics, investigations, or to see members of the CF-MDT for individual consultations.

Inpatients

All patients are admitted to single rooms with an en-suite bath or shower. For younger people with CF, links with the Chelsea Community Hospital School mean that teachers are available to support studies during an admission.  

Cross-infection

People with CF are at risk of different bacterial and viral infections which cause lung disease. Infection prevention and control strategies are one of the most important considerations in a CF centre. People with CF must not meet each other and are therefore seen separately in hospital departments, clinics and on inpatient wards.