Cystic Fibrosis Trust respond to the new NHS Long Term Workforce Plan

In response to the new NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, which aims to address existing vacancies and meet the challenges of a growing and aging population by recruiting and retaining hundreds of thousands more staff in the NHS, David Ramsden, Chief Executive at Cystic Fibrosis Trust said: “We welcome the publication of the first ever Long-Term Workforce Plan and hope that it will tackle worrying staffing gaps in cystic fibrosis clinical teams revealed by our latest staffing survey. Cystic fibrosis is a life-long, life limiting condition without a cure and the right clinical support, including CF psychologists and social workers, is vital to keep people as well as possible for as long as possible. As well as the right workforce, the Government must also do more to address the financial strain experienced by people with long term conditions, including CF, which risks their long term health.”

About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease caused by a faulty gene. This gene controls the movement of salt and water in and out of your cells, so the lungs and digestive system become clogged with mucus, making it hard to breathe and digest food.
There are over 10,908 people with cystic fibrosis living in the UK and the population is growing every year.
In terms of the nations the numbers of people with cystic fibrosis is as follows: England 9,044; Scotland 925; Northern Ireland 485 and Wales 454.
Of those who died from cystic fibrosis in 2021, the median age of death was 38 years of age.
Two million people in the UK are carrying the faulty gene without realising it. If two carriers have children, there’s a one in four chance their child will have the condition, which slowly destroys the lungs and digestive system.

About Cystic Fibrosis Trust

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to uniting for a life unlimited for everyone affected by cystic fibrosis.
The Trust provides confidential advice, support, and information on any aspect of cystic fibrosis, including help with financial support.
To contact the Cystic Fibrosis Trust helpline call (+44) 0300 373 1000 or (+44) 020 3795 2184.
The work the Trust does is only made possible by the generous donations from supporters. Visit www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk to find out more about cystic fibrosis, the work of the Trust and how you can help. To support us to unite for a life unlimited by cystic fibrosis text BEATCF to 70500 to give £5