The Canterbury Adult CF Service sees all adults with CF from around the South Island. We are the second largest adult CF service in New Zealand.
Our team consists of: Physicians, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Pharmacist, Clinical Psychologist, Social Worker, Dietitian, Physiotherapist, Community Physiotherapist
View the profiles below to find out their role in your care.
Mission Statement
In partnership with our patients, the Canterbury adult cystic fibrosis service works to optimise the health and quality of life of adults with CF by providing high quality evidenced-based care.
Cystic Fibrosis Physicians
Dr Richard Laing
As the lead physician responsible for the Christchurch Adult CF Programme, Richard Laing supervises the overall management of individuals with CF. He coordinates both inpatient and outpatient care and forms part of the multidisciplinary team.
Richard's aim is to offer thorough but individualised approach to CF care with close cooperation with members of the multidisciplinary team and other professionals as indicated.
Dr Bronwen Rhodes
Bronwen Rhodes is a respiratory physician with an interest in cystic fibrosis. She completed a one year CF fellowship in Toronto in 2008. Bronwen is involved in both inpatient CF care and in the CF outpatient clinics.
Dr Greg Frazer
Greg Frazer has a background in Respiratory Medicine and has worked with people with CF in a large transplant service in Australia. Greg attends the CF outpatient clinics, and also looks after the care of CF inpatients on a rostered basis along with Richard and Bronwen.
Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Robyn Beach
Robyn is the CF Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). You will see her at your CF outpatient clinics and if you have an admission to hospital. Robyn is available to talk with you, can provide education on a variety of topics and supply you with any equipment you may need for your CF care. She also does home visits to support patients when they are managing IV treatment at home. If you have any concerns about your CF or feel unwell between appointments, please contact Robyn as detailed below.
Robyn works from 7.30am – 4.00pm Monday to Friday, and can be contacted by phone or text on 027 213 8087 or by email: robyn.beach@cdhb.health.nz.
Pharmacist
Connie Takawira
The CF pharmacist is available to discuss medication-related issues with you during hospital admissions. Topics you may wish to discuss include:
- The reasons behind using different therapies
- Any concerns you have (for example, side effects or if you do not think our medications are adequately controlling your symptoms)
- Prescription fees
The hospital provides your medications during admissions. However, please bring in 48 hours supply to allow time for supplies to be dispensed from the pharmacy. You will also need to bring in the equipment you use for nebulising any medication.
Many patients choose to self-medicate while in hospital. However, if you are very unwell, or your medications are being adjusted rapidly, it may be more appropriate for the nurses to manage your tablets for you.
Physiotherapist
Trish Goulter
Physiotherapy is aimed at maximising your physical function by providing ongoing assessment, treatment and rehabilitation.
Physiotherapy can help with
Sputum clearance
Breathing pattern disorders e.g. hyperventilation
Exercise testing and advice
Musculoskeletal concerns/posture
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Treatments may include:
Breathing exercises
Manual chest clearance techniques (percussions & vibrations)
Exercise/walking/gym programmes
Providing respiratory devices (acapella, PEP)
Relaxation
The physiotherapists on the respiratory ward will see you every day during an admission. We have a large team at Christchurch Hospital; you may meet more than on physiotherapist during your stay. Trish will see you at your clinic appointments and is available to provide advice and education in any of the areas listed above.
Dietitian
Tory Crowder
Tory will see you at outpatient clinics, when you are admitted to Ward 25 and can arrange to see you at home. Tory will discuss and arrange an appropriate diet with you, and give you practical recommendations on how to achieve and maintain an ideal body weight.
She is available to discuss the following topics with you:
Enzyme therapy
Symptom control such as poor appetite or nausea
Dietary intake
Bone Health
CF related Diabetes
Gastro-oesophageal reflux
Nutrition support (supplement drinks or gastrostomy feeding)
Vitamins and minerals
Hydration
Dietary considerations when travelling
Tory can be contacted at Nutrition Services, Christchurch Hospital - ph:027 775 6033.
Social Worker
Gary Sword
The social worker is available to see you during hospital admissions to Ward 25, by appointment in their office or at an arranged place in the community. Their role is to assess the impact medical needs or regimes may be having on you, your family or friends. They can assist people with CF in being supported practically and emotionally so they remain independent and reach their potential goals. They are available from 8am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday (there is an after hours social worker available for urgent matters). Please feel free to contact the social worker on phone 03 364 0420.
Psychologist
Sandie Young
Sandie is part of the CF Team. When people have a physical condition like CF, difficulties can occur in doing everyday things and in relationships with family and friends. Sometimes your battery can run flat and you can feel frustrated, unmotivated or down. Occasionally this can lead to more problems such as depression.
Psychologists use "talking therapy" to support you and help you find ways to manage and build coping strategies. They can also act as a sounding board or a safe place to vent outside of your usual support network. They can also help identify any symptoms of depression and anxiety and explore ways with you to best manage these.
Sandie can visit you on Ward 25 or more commonly she will see you at an outpatient appointment. If you would like to see the psychologist you can ask any of the CF team to contact Sandie.
Community Physiotherapist
Hilaire O'Dea
Community physio aims to maximize lung function by providing ongoing advice and treatment in the home environment. Often CF physio care needs to be adapted to fit home and lifestyle requirements. Treatments can include airway clearance, exercise and gym programmes.
Hilaire can visit all those in Christchurch and surrounding areas and can be contacted on 021 133 5194.