1. Meeting with the Department of Health, Friday 6th March
As a result of advocacy from CFI and other patient advocacy groups, a meeting was held on Friday 6th March in the Department of Health (DOH). Approximately 100 people attended including representatives from groups working with patients with diabetes, cancer, heart and respiratory conditions.
A separate meeting was held for vulnerable communities including the elderly and the homeless.
The following were among the questions raised by CFI and others and answers given by the DOH.
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Question 1:
CFI raised concerns (raised by parents and PWCF) that some or more CF isolation rooms designated for CF in patient care in CF Centres could be used to treat people with Coronavirus/COVID-19?
Answer from DOH:
The DOH recognise and know our concerns and they do not foresee hospitals using CF isolation rooms for patients with Coronavirus/COVID-19
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Question 2:
There is already a shortage of hand gels/masks. Would the DOH consider making these available for ‘at risk’ groups through pharmacies or hospitals?
Answer from DOH:
They will consider this request
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Question 3:
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) are promoting additional precautionary behaviours – will the DOH consider doing the same?
Answer from DOH:
They will review the advice from the ECDC.
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Question 4:
What about those whose employment/ income will be affected by the virus?
Answer from the DOH:
A cabinet sub-committee has been established (meets for first time on Monday 9 March) and will be chaired by An Taoiseach and employment issues will be discussed.
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This forum for patient advocacy groups representing ‘at risk’ groups will be convened on a regular basis and CFI pledge to continue raising issues and concerns from our members.
2. CFI’s pledge on Coronavirus/COVID-19
CFI promises to try and issue information that is up to date and accurate as possible. We rely on our members to e-mail or phone us if they have any localised concerns. Please note that the situation in one part of Ireland may vary from another place and may vary over time, so we urge our members to continue to:
- Continue to access your CF care in hospitals unless specifically advised not to by the hospital you attend/your MDT Team
- To phone your CF Centre if you have any concerns, including in advance of appointments
- Continue to adhere to your prescribed therapies
- Make judgements on other issues such as transport, education and employment based on evidence and common sense. For example it is not a good idea to be travelling on very crowded public transport or attending mass gatherings for the foreseeable future if you have CF.
- If you have concerns about picking up a serious infection in work, seek to be proactive with your employer to enable you to work remotely, if possible, or to negotiate time off if there is evidence of a significant health risk to you.
3. CFI Conference 2020
CFI is currently reviewing our forthcoming national conference in Galway and we will be issuing a statement tomorrow (Tuesday 10 March).