New £600,000 service to see adults with cystic fibrosis treated in Blackpool

Adults living with a life-threatening condition will no longer have to travel to Manchester for treatment.
Blackpool Victoria HospitalBlackpool Victoria Hospital
Blackpool Victoria Hospital

Cystic fibrosis patients will get the chance to be cared for in Blackpool when a new £600,000-a-year service is launched later this year, in partnership with the Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre (MACFC).

Children with the inherited condition, caused by a faulty gene that controls the movement of salt in and out of cells, are already treated at Victoria Hospital, in Whinney Heys Road.

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But eight beds will now be offered to adults, who currently have to travel to Manchester for specialist care.

The service will initially take patients getting too old for paediatric care, but will later accept adults, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said.

Health bosses are now working on putting together a team of doctors to work on the new service, although it has not yet been confirmed exactly where it will run from, it is understood.

Consultant chest physician Dr Tarek Saba said: “Over many years, Blackpool has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing cystic fibrosis services and already provides an excellent service for children.

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“Initially, the services will be developed under the guidance and oversight of MACFC, with the expectation that the team at Blackpool will maintain close links with them.

“Blackpool has an excellent record of delivering high quality care for patients, already provides other specialised services, and is confident we can provide an excellent service with our colleagues in Manchester.”

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