Cystic fibrosis is a condition people are born with. It affects the lungs and digestion, and people with cystic fibrosis often need daily medicines and treatments to stay well. You cannot catch cystic fibrosis, but many people carry the gene without knowing.
When your child is first diagnosed, you and your child will learn about cystic fibrosis and the treatments they need. Everyone is different, so their care plan will be made just for them.
Treatment may include physiotherapy to clear mucus from lungs, special medicines such as Kaftrio, and advice on food to help keep your child's weight and energy up. Exercise is also very important, and your child will be encouraged to join in with sports and activities they enjoy.
Your child will have regular check-ups with their cystic fibrosis team, including doctors, nurses, physios and dietitians. They will support you and your child at home, at school and as they get older, helping them to take more responsibility for their own care.
When your child reaches their mid-teens, they will start moving to a young adult clinic, where they will learn how to manage your CF more independently, before eventually moving to the adult clinic.
Our service
Outpatient clinics
0 - 12 years
Children aged between 0 and 12 years are seen every two months in a dedicated clinic at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital (BHH).
Over 12 years
Those aged over 12 years are invited to our young person clinics on Ward 26, Heartlands. This is also where you’ll come when you transfer to adult services at 16–17.
Annual review
Annual review's take place at least once a year at Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH).
Between appointments
You or your child can contact any member of the team. Please see the contact details for our team members in the meet the team section below. If you can’t reach us, Cathy Wogan's answerphone is checked daily (Monday to Friday). If it’s urgent over the weekend, you can contact the team at Birmingham Children's Hospital or the Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU) at Heartlands.
We may:
- Answer your query by phone or via your GP
- Arrange a home visit (for a cough swab, port flush, or to check in)
- Book an early outpatient appointment or review your child on Ward 14 (Day Care, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital)
Inpatient admissions
If your child needs to come into hospital, this will usually be to Ward 16 at Heartlands Hospital. We also have a leaflet with more details about admissions.
Shared care
Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH) is the specialist centre for cystic fibrosis in the West Midlands. All children with cystic fibrosis are seen at BCH at least twice a year.
Cystic fibrosis care is a team effort, and we work closely with hospitals across the region, including:
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
- The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
- Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
- Wye Valley NHS Trust
- Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Meet the team
Dr Sarah Denniston, Consultant Paediatrician
Dr Denniston is a Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in cystic fibrosis. She provides medical input, working closely with our team and colleagues at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Cathy Wogan, Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Nurse Specialist
Cathy is usually your first point of contact if you have questions or need support. She works alongside our Paediatric Respiratory Nurse Specialists.
Lorna Hull, Dietitian
Lorna supports with healthy eating, vitamins and enzymes, and keeps an eye on growth and nutrition.
Charlotte Morby, Paediatric Respiratory Physiotherapist
Charlotte will review and update your child's physiotherapy techniques, advise on nebulisers and inhaled medicines, and encourage your child to stay active.
Last reviewed: 25 November 2025