Cystic Fibrosis Centre

Ward 26 at Heartlands Hospital is home to the West Midlands Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, the only one of its type in the region. The unit treats over 300 patients each year for cystic fibrosis, with many patients requiring lengthy stays on the unit as inpatients.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder which affects more than 10,000 people in the UK. Patients with cystic fibrosis spend much of their time in hospital. As many patients stay on the unit for long periods of time, the unit has a range of facilities to make their stay as comfortable as possible, helping them to remain active and healthy, and ultimately helping them to go home sooner.

The current facilities on the unit include catering facilities, a fully equipped gym and a beautiful roof garden for the patients to relax in during the warmer months.

With your help, we will provide more ‘added extras’ for patients on the unit, helping to make their time in hospital more comfortable.

What is cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and the digestive system, causing lung infections and problems with digesting food.

With most patients, symptoms start in early childhood and the condition gets progressively worse over time, with the lungs and digestive system becoming increasingly damaged.

Although treatments are available to help to reduce the problems caused by the condition and make it easier to live with, sadly life expectancy is shortened.

People with cystic fibrosis will often have recurring chest infections and problems with their breathing, caused by the mucus on the lungs. Mucus building up in the pancreas leads to difficulties digesting food and taking on nutrients, which means that patients with cystic fibrosis need to eat more calories.

Many patients with cystic fibrosis will develop diabetes as the result of changes to the pancreas.

Treating cystic fibrosis

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but a range of treatments can help to control the symptoms, prevent or reduce complications, and make the condition easier to live with.

Patients with cystic fibrosis may need to take different medicines to treat and prevent lung problems, and physical activity and the use of airway clearance techniques can help to clear mucus from the lungs.

How University Hospitals Birmingham Charity is supporting cystic fibrosis patients

UHB Charity is contributing £20,000 to fund the refurbishment of the isolation room on the unit. The isolation room is where many patients spend time, especially towards the end of their life, and that is why the Charity is supporting this renovation. This will create a bright, comfortable and homely space for patients, who may have to spend up to a third of their time in isolation.

You can help to support this vital renovation by donating at the top of the page. Alternatively, please get in touch with us on 0121 371 4852 or email sian.averill@uhb.nhs.uk

For more information please head to www.heartlandscf.org