Everyone with cystic fibrosis deserves adequate and safe care
The adult cystic fibrosis (CF) clinic at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital is over 50 years old, and is not fit for purpose.
Sign the petition now to call on the WA Government to commit to a clear plan, funding and timeframe to refurbish or replace the adult CF outpatient clinic at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
There is no second option for people with CF. If you are in Western Australia, the only place to access this vital care is at the adult CF clinic at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
Cystic Fibrosis WA has lodged a petition with the Legislative Council of WA, calling for an update or replacement of the outdated adult CF outpatient clinic at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
The petition follows ongoing feedback from people in our community about the ageing and inadequate facilities at the clinic.
Despite the commitment and dedication of the CF multi-disciplinary healthcare team, the facilities, infrastructure and resources available to them at the clinic limit their ability to deliver the level of care that people with CF deserve.
Key Facts
- The adult CF clinic was built over half a century ago – before health services knew cross-infection between people with CF was a life-threatening risk. It is not designed to modern infection control guidelines and unable to meet the standards for appropriate and safe care of CF patients.
- The lives of close to 300 people are at risk; and that number is growing. Some adults with CF are avoiding vital clinic appointments because of safety concerns. Without regular multidisciplinary care, opportunities to prevent complications are missed.
- CF is a chronic, life-limiting condition that requires lifelong treatment and regular hospital clinic appointments to help maintain health and manage the condition.
- People with CF face a life-long daily health battle. Regular proactive management through the adult CF clinic at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital is vital to protect the lungs and extend lives.
- A business case was prepared through proper channels to address this problem however it remains unfunded.
We call on the WA Government to commit to a clear plan, funding and timeframe to refurbish or replace the clinic to improve care and protect patient lives. Too many lives are already cut short by this lifelong complex disease.
What Can I Do?
- First and most importantly, please sign the petition. Every signature helps demonstrate the strength of community support for a safe, fit-for-purpose adult CF clinic, and the more people who add their voice, the stronger the message.
- Get in touch with the team if you are interested in contributing more or sharing your story.
- You can also contact your local Member of Parliament to let them know about the petition and why this issue matters to you.
Why is the Adult CF Clinic so important?
The CF Adult Outpatient Clinic operates from B Block at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, a facility understood to have been built in 1968. Unlike newer facilities such as Perth Children’s Hospital, Block B was not designed to meet modern infection-control requirements or the specific needs of people with CF. The clinic has limited consultation, treatment and waiting space, creating challenges with patient segregation, procedure environments, air quality and ventilation.
Consumers and clinicians have raised concerns about these limitations, with some patients reporting reluctance to attend appointments; particularly concerning for young people transitioning from paediatric to adult care, for whom consistent engagement with specialist care is critical.
There is no second option for people with CF. If you are in Western Australia, the only place to access this vital care is at the adult CF clinic at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
What is cystic fibrosis (CF)?
CF is a life-limiting genetic condition that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system, causing thick, sticky mucus that can lead to infections and progressive lung damage. People with CF require lifelong medical treatment and physiotherapy and may take 30–40 medications each day.
New treatments are improving and extending lives for many people, but not everyone is eligible and complex health needs continue to require specialist multidisciplinary care, which in Western Australia is only available at the adult CF outpatient clinic at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
Please add your voice in support of all people living with cystic fibrosis in Western Australia.