Queensland Minister for Health Steven Miles

Funding Boost To Improve Hospital Facilities For Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Victor P Taffa

Cystic fibrosis patients at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) will now have access to their own individual bathroom.

Minister for Health Steven Miles announced that a $2.9 Million funding injection would support the full refurbishment of all patient areas within TPCH’s 14-bed Adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Centre including the construction of 6 additional bathrooms, addressing concerns raised by cystic fibrosis patients around shared hospital bathrooms.

“These additional bathrooms 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.

“Patients can now be reassured of receiving the best and safest care possible during their hospital stay.”

“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.” Minister Miles said.

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

“This funding shows our commitment to improving the health outcomes of adults living with CF in Queensland.” Minister Miles said.

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.” Dr. Reid said.

“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 of time.”

“Patients with CF can have up to 4 admissions each year, with many admissions lasting 14 days or more.” Dr. Reid said.

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.

Each patient room has a shared ensuite bathroom, television, fridge and exercise equipment.

“While the CF Unit employs strict practices and protocols around infection control, enforcing this can be challenging, particularly if patients are sharing facilities like bathrooms.” Dr. Reid said.

“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.” Mr. Bullock said.

“As a patient of the CF Unit for almost 3 decades, I have received nothing but excellent care from the entire CF team.”

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

CEO Cystic Fibrosis Queensland Petrina Fraccaro said in Queensland, there are more adults than children living with this life-shortening disease.

“The inclusion of an ensuite in each bedroom of the cystic fibrosis clinic at The Prince Charles Hospital will greatly reduce the risk of cross contamination and increase infection control.” Ms. Fraccaro said.

“Queensland is fortunate to have world-class cystic fibrosis clinicians and now we will have a world-class centre for adults living with this insidious disease.”

“I would like to thank Minister Miles for helping us to improve the chances of all cystic fibrosis sufferers to live longer lives.” Ms. Fraccaro said.

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

Works are underway with construction expected to be complete by mid-2019.