Cystic Fibrosis and Lung Transplantation
"Cystic Fibrosis: A Model of Care for Ireland’" was launched by the then Minster for Health, Simon Harris in September 2019. It outlined how the care of People with Cystic Fibrosis (PWCF) should be organised and resourced now and in the future. It also recommended the development of a specific Model of Care dealing with cystic fibrosis and lung transplantation.
Acting on this recommendation, the NCPCF Cystic Fibrosis and Lung Transplantation Subgroup developed this Model of Care. It outlines how lung transplantation fits into the continuum of care of Adults with Cystic Fibrosis. This includes referral, assessment, listing and communication about transplantation and post-transplant care. This Model is an extension of, and should be implemented in conjunction with, "Cystic Fibrosis: A Model of Care for Ireland".
This Model of Care details seven phases of lung transplantation from consideration for lung transplantation to post-transplantation care. It makes specific referral recommendations for CF lung transplantation in Ireland.
It establishes two pathways to address the needs of PWCF post-transplant in Ireland:
- PWCF who live close to the MMUH (in the Leinster area) will receive both their post-transplant care and CF-related care from MMUH.
- PWCF who do not live close to MMUH will receive their post-transplant care from both the local CF Centre and MMUH, and their CF care from the local CF Centre.
These pathways will result in both the MMUH, and the CF Centre being designated as Post-Transplant CF Centres. It is very important to the success of this model that they be appropriately resourced to carry out these roles.
The transplant process as a whole, including referral, assessment, listing and waiting for transplant, adds to the ongoing physical and psychological demands that PWCF and their families face. It is crucial that every CF Centre should have a multidisciplinary CF team dedicated to the care of PWCF.