Funding boost to improve hospital facilities for cystic fibrosis patients

Cystic fibrosis patients will soon have their own bathrooms and other new features to help protect them from infections in the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH).

Minister for Health Steven Miles visited the Centre to see progress achieved since the $2,925,000 project began in January 2019. Works should be complete in the second half of the year.

“This funding is supporting the full refurbishment of all patient areas within TPCH’s 14-bed Adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Centre including the construction of six additional bathrooms.

“Once opened later this year, it will enable patients to have access to their own individual bathroom during their hospital stay rather than having to share a bathroom with another patient,” Minister Miles said.

“Other funded works will include a major upgrade of the air conditioning system to enhance air quality for patients within the Unit, new electrical and nurse call systems using the latest technology, and additional hand washing basins in each patient room.

“These improvements will mean our patients can be cared for in modern facilities that meet their specialised clinical needs, and are in line with international standards.”

As the State’s largest centre for adult CF care, the service today cares for over 300 patients from around Queensland, northern NSW and the Northern Territory.

TPCH’s Director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Service Dr David Reid said that patients with cystic fibrosis have very special clinical requirements due to the nature of their condition.

“Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition resulting in chronic lung disease, poor nutrition and reduced life expectancy, although survival is increasing significantly and will continue to do so,” said Dr Reid.

“Patients with CF are susceptible to bacterial infections and there is also the risk of cross-infection occurring between patients.

“In a hospital setting, the opportunity for patient-to-patient contact naturally increases, particularly if the individual is in hospital for a prolonged period.

“Patients with CF can have up to four admissions each year, with many admissions lasting 14 days or more.”

TPCH’s Adult CF Centre, opened in 2014, was purpose built with single rooms to allow patients to receive care in a modern and comfortable setting which was suited to their clinical condition.

“Having improved facilities and accommodation specifically designed to support CF patients will allow us to continue to deliver the best possible and safest care to them.”

Darren Bullock, who has been a patient of TPCH’s Adult CF Service for almost 30 years is excited about the improved facilities, particularly the introduction of extra bathrooms.

“Having access to our own bathrooms is a fantastic improvement for patients of this Unit,” said Darren.

“As a patient of the CF Unit for almost three decades, I have received nothing but excellent care from the entire CF team.

“But knowing I will have my own bathroom during my hospital admission, gives me further reassurance that I am receiving the best treatment possible.”