AHPs helping Jack grapple against Cystic Fibrosis
As part of AHP Day 2022, we found out how our allied health professionals (AHPs) at Birmingham Children’s Hospital make a difference to our patients.
Jack Powell, 15, has cystic fibrosis, which was diagnosed via the heel prick test shortly after his birth. Cystic Fibrosis is a respiratory condition that affects respiratory organs and the digestive system.
His condition is treated by a daily routine of medication, including over 40 tablets a day, and physiotherapy techniques on a morning before school and on an evening before bed, including breathing through an Acapella device which helps move mucous from his lungs.
Jack’s Dad, Steve said: “Obviously treatment is very time consuming and has an effect on his social life.”
The Cystic Fibrosis Team who works with Jack includes two allied health professionals, a physiotherapist and a dietitian, who work with the consultant, lung function technicians, Specialist Nurses and Pharmacist on his regular appointments. These appointments occur every two months to monitor Jack’s progress and check he is a healthy weight and height and that his lung function is maintained.
Steve said: “The team at BCH have regular routine appointments and is treated at the hospital when flare-ups occur. They are also on hand 24/7 via telephone and always available to talk via the phone if we have any concerns. We also get the advice we need to maintain his health at home.”
Part of his treatment has been the use of gastrostomy in order to feed him. A gastrostomy is a surgical opening through the skin of the abdomen to the stomach, which Jack had fitted when he was just five years old. A feeding device is put into this opening so that feed can be delivered directly into the stomach bypassing the mouth and throat.
Carolyn Patchell, Head of Nutrition and Dietetics, one of the team who works with Jack said: “I have supported Jack and his Mum and Dad, since his diagnosis at two weeks old and seen him grow into a wonderful young man.
“He has been supported with gastrostomy feeds to help his growth for many years, and recently has been able to stop these and have his tube removed as his growth has been excellent.
“He is motivated and very engaged in his treatment and always does everything he needs to do to optimise his health.”
Steve said: “We couldn’t be more appreciative of them they are amazing I don’t think we would be in the position we are in without them. We would just like to thank them as we always do. They are amazing people who are always there to help.”
Jack is getting on well, so well that last summer he was in America competing in the IBJJF Pan Ams Jiu Jitsu competition where he won gold in his category.