News and Upcoming Events 

 

 

Would You Like To Become More Involved With ILFA?

Perhaps you could do a once-off fundraising event such as a coffee morning or maybe you would be interested in setting up a local ILFA support group where you live.

You can decide what level of involvement you would like to have. If you are interested in getting more involved, ILFA would like to hear from you.

You can contact us via post @ PO Box 10456, Blackrock, County Dublin; via email @ info@ilfa.ie or by calling 086 871 5264

NEWS and EVENTS

 

Giving Tuesday

#GivingTuesday takes place today, Tuesday 30th November. This special day is celebrated in over 70 countries around the world and is a global generosity movement that encourages people to donate to charities that are close to their hearts and making a difference. If you would like to donate to the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA),  please click on the link for donation options https://www.ilfa.ie/donation.asp Thank you for your wonderful support today and throughout the year.
See www.givingtuesday.ie for more infromation

 

 

ILFA Patient Information Day

The next ILFA Patient Inforrmation Day, will take place online on Saturday 13th November from 11am to 1pm
 
Our speakers are;
- Dr Aidan O’Brien - Consultant Respiratory Physician at University Hospital Limerick
- Grainne Murphy - Medical Respiratory Senior Physiotherapist, Mater Misericordiae Hospital
- Maria Love, End of Life Coordinator, Mater Misericordiae Hospital
- Patricia Jones, Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialists, St Vincent's University Hospital
- Dr. Cian O'Leary - Pharmaceutics Lecturer, School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
 
Register in advance via Zoom for thie free event https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WyO7yDTGStqoWDojs25XdQ
or call 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie

 

Are you looking for a Charity Partner?

If you are a member of a club, society, academic institution or a business looking to partner with a charity, please consider fundraising for the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA).

We would love the opportunity to work with you to help raise awareness of lung fibrosis and to raise funds to support our vital work.

Please visit our website www.ilfa.ie to learn more about ILFA or call Gemma on 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie for more information.

 

 

ILFA Christmas Cards on sale

 
We know it's very, very early ... but this week we've been receiving enquiries about the 2021 ILFA Christmas cards!!! So we've decided to unveil the 2021 festive selection. We hope you'll like them and will consider supporting ILFA this Christmas.
 
Our cards are made in Ireland and are available to order from ILFA by calling 086 871 5264 or emailing info@ilfa.ie
 
1 pack of 10 cards (2 cards each of 5 designs) costs €6, 2 packs cost €10 and if you buy 4 packs, we'll throw in a 5th pack for free.
Now isn't that a bargain! 

 

 

Sing Strong Classes for Lung Fibrosis Patients

Weekly Sing Strong for Pulmonary Fibrosis classes with Choir Mistress Ciara Meade will start on Wednesday 20 October 2021 at 12.30pm.
 
Research has shown that singing for lung health classes that are delivered by a trained specialist provide valuable psychological and social benefits to people living with respiratory conditions. Some of the benefits include improvement breathing control and management of breathlessness, relief of anxiety, and fun, enjoyment, and social interaction. A good singing voice is not a requirement to join the class and thanks to the virtual nature of the programme, participants sing (muted) from the comfort of their home, while training and exercising their breathing muscles.
 
The online class is open to new people and those who have participated already. Places are limited. Please call Gemma on 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie to register for the classes.

 

 

ILFA Shortlisted for an Irish Healthcare Award

The Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA) is deighted to announce that our project entitled "The Irish Lung Fibrosis Association's Multi-Stakeholder World Café on Pulmonary Fibrosis Services in Ireland During Covid-19 and Beyond" has been shortlisted in the Patient Organisation Project of the Year category at the 2021 Irish Healthcare Awards.
 
Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this important project. We are grateful to the patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and industry representatives who shared their experiences and priorities for future care, and to the Community Foundation of Ireland /RTE Does Comic Relief: Adapt and Respond grant funding to support this project.

 

 

ILFA's Research is published in the BMJ Palliative & Supportive Care 

 
The Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA) is delighted to see our Patient-centred research entitled "Fibrotic interstitial lung disease - palliative care needs: a World-Café qualitative study" published in the British Medical Journal Supportive & Palliative Care. This paper represents an important and successful collaboration with a talented team of healthcare professionals with particular expertise. The paper describes the methodology and outcomes of the ILFA World Cafe on Plalliative Care and Planning for the Future that took place in June 2018.
 
Sincere thanks to everyone involved in this project especially the patients, carers, healthcare professionals and industry professionals who participated in the World Cafe, to our facilitators, leaders and note-takers, our medical writer and artist., and to the healthcare professionals, patients and carers who contributed to the paper
 
You can read the article here

 

 

ILFA'S Virtual Candle Lighting Ceremony


A virtual candle lighting ceremony in support of lung fbrosis patients and to remember loved ones will take place on Saturday 23rd October. We invite you to light a candle from 6pm onwards in support of patients and their families, and to remember loved ones with lung fibrosis who have passed away.

As we cannot gather as a community at the Annual Ecumenical Service of Prayer and Reflection this year, we hope this activity will bring us together (virtually) as a community. We invite you to share your photos of your candle via Facebook by emailing info@ilfa.ie if you would like to.

 

 

 

Tip of the Week

Ask about vaccinations
Always ask your respiratory doctor or nurse specialist if you should get the flu vaccine and/or the pneumonia vaccine.

Lung Fibrosis patients should also ask family members to consider getting the flu vaccine so that they do not pass the virus to you.

 

Quote of the week

"Never forget where you've been. Never lose sight of where you're going. And never take for granted the people who travel the journey with you"
Susan Gale

 

 

The ILFA Autumn Newsletter is now available

The Autumn edition of the ILFA newsletter is available to read here.

We hope you enjoy reading it.

If you would like to be added to the ILFA database to receive the newsletter by post for free, please register via the website, call Gemma on 086  871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie

 

 

 

 

Let's Talk Oxygen

Let's Talk Oxygen for Lung Fibrosis Patients with Joyce O'Hara, Clinical Nurse Manager Respiratory Integrated Care, will take pace online on Tuesday 14 September at 12pm.

Joyce will gve a shot presentation on oxygen and anwer any questions you may have. Questions can be submitted in advance by emailing info@ilfa.ie

Please email info@ilfa.ie or call 086 871 5264 to registerm fr this event that will take place via Zoom.

 

 

 

Virtual Patient Information Day 

The next ILFA Patient Information Day will take place online on Saturday 11th September at 11am.

The meeting will take place via Zoom
 
Our speakers will include
- Professor Killian Hurley, Respiratory Consultant, Beaumont Hospital
- Dr Anne Marie Russell, Senior Lecturer & Research Lead, University of Exeter
- Dr Kate Devenney, Physiotherapist, School of Allied Health, University of Limerick
- Professor John Baugh, Research Lead, UCD School of Medicine and UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research.
 
We hope you can join us to learn more about pulmonary fibrosis from experts in the field.

All are welcome to attend this free educational event.

Register here or call 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie

 

 

Support Services Survey 

ILFA is conducting a survey to find out more about your experience of accessing support services and various healthcare professionals from the time of your diagnosis with lung fibrosis. The intended audience for this survey is lung fibrosis patients and post-transplant patients. We would be very grateful for your help.


Click this link to start the survey https://bit.ly/ilfaservices


If your loved one would like to take the survey but does not have access to the online version, please call ILFA on 086 871 5264 to go through the survey via telephone.

Thank you!

 

 

Book Drive in aid of ILFA


Pam Martin, ILFA patient and supporter, is organising a fundraising Book Drive in association with Book World(www.bookworld.ie) to raise vital funds for the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA).

All books (except for school books) that have been gently used and are in good condition are needed. Books can be dropped off to Pam and representatives from Book World on Saturday 7th August at Terenure College, Dublin from 2pm to 4pm. 

If you would like to make a donation to this fundraising event, you can donate securely online at this link.

ILFA Book Drive Fundraising Appeal

All donations no matter what size would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your kind support.

 

Acute Exacerbations of Pulmonary Fibrosis

ILFA is pleased to announce our latest patient information leaflet entitled "Acute Exacerbations of Pulmonary Fibrosis"

An acute exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis is a sudden worsening or ‘flare-up’ of your disease. It causes:

  • a decline in your lung function (your FVC and DLco)
  • a rapid worsening of your breathlessness and other symptoms.

When an acute exacerbation occurs, your doctor will be able to see new changes or scarring on your chest scan.

Click the link to read more. 

If you would like to request a printed leaflet, please contact ILFA on 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie 

 

VHI Virtual Women's Mini Marathon 2021

The Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon will take place on 19th September 2021.

Entries are now open and you register to walk, jog or run 10k on 19th September 2021 from anywhere in Ireland or even further afield!

If you would like to take part and fundraise for the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association, please call 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie for a fundraising pack.

We would be delighted to have your support.

 

Tip of the week

Plan in advance
When organising a trip away, it is important to plan the logistics of your journey and stay as far in advance as possible. If travelling by rail or coach, let the travel company know about your medical needs (for example, oxygen equipment, extra power sockets, wheelchair, having a seat close to the bathroom). Hotels can provide larger rooms or access rooms for people with medical needs. Ask for a room that has a walk in shower rather than a bath if this would be easier for you, and a nearby lift. The staff will do everything they can to make your stay as comfortable and safe as possible.

 

Quote of the week

“Maybe happiness didn’t have to be about the big, sweeping circumstances, about having everything in your life in place. Maybe it was about stringing together a bunch of small pleasures.”
Ann Brashares
 

 

Let's Talk: Lung Fibrosis - Questions and Answers 

Join us online on Friday 18th June at 4pm for a special Let's Talk: Lung Fibrosis - Questions and Answers session with Dr Abhilash Sahadevan, Interstitial Lung Disease Fellow at St Vincent's University Hospital. 
 
Please submit questions in advance but bear in mind that personal medical circumstances cannot be discussed in detail.

Email info@ilfa.ie or call 086 871 5264 to register. 

 

 

Dublin Minor Football Team Fundraising for ILFA

We are thrilled to announce a major fundraiser from the Dublin Minor Footballers and Management Team.

"Pedal the Perimeter of Ireland" for the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association will take place on Sunday 25 April.

Please support the Dublin Minor Footballers in their quest if you can! All donations are gratefully received and will support ILFA's work. Please donate here https://gofund.me/855d368c

Special thanks to David Reynolds, Ger Lyons, and ILFA Patron, Michael Darragh Macauley, for their help bringing this event to fruition.
 
Click here to see a video from Ger Lyons, Manager of the Dublin Minor Footballers, about the cycle.
 

 

 

Denise Cassidy Memorial Prize for Excellence in Healthcare 2021

Would you like to honour your lung fibrosis healthcare hero by nominting them for a special prize?

ILFA is excited to announce the 2021 Denise Cassidy Memorial Prize for excellence in healthcare. This award recognises and celebrates the kindness, compassion and humanity of a hospital healthcare worker to a lung fibrosis patient or their family. Patients and carers are invited to nominate a person who showed you or your loved one a special act of kindness that helped you cope with your illness better.

If ever there was a year to celebrate our healthcare staff – this is it! Please fill out the nomination form that is included with this newsletter or available on the ILFA website and tell us why your healthcare hero deserves to be honoured. You can nominate a doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, social worker, counsellor, dietician, pharmacist, healthcare assistant, member of the chaplaincy team, clerical worker, catering or cleaning staff - in fact anyone who works in healthcare. The more information you can provide, the better as this helps us make the important decision regarding the overall winner. Everyone who is nominated will receive a certificate of excellence and the winner will receive a special commemorative Dublin crystal award.

Click here for more information.

Click here for the nomination form.

 

Online Support Group Meeting

ILFA will host an online support group meeting on Friday 23rd April at 4pm.

We will use Zoom's breakout rooms for people to meet in small groups and have a friendly chat over a cuppa.

We hope you can join us. Please email info@ilfa.ie to register. 

 

 

Online Yoga Class

Join ILFA for a free online yoga class for lung fibrosis patients and carers with ILFA Ambassador, Michael Darragh Macauley on Wednesday 14th April at 3pm.

This class takes online using Zoom and consists of breathing exercises, stretches and gentle chair and standing exercises. Why not give it a try! All are welcome.

Please call Gemma on 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie to register in advance for the class. Namaste!
 

 

ILFA Newsletter Spring 2021

The Spring edition of the ILFA newsletter is available to read here.

We hope you enjoy reading it.

If you would like to be added to the ILFA database to receive the newsletter by post please register via the website, call Gemma on 086  871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie

 

 

2000 Steps Extra for ILFA at Easter


The Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA)'s "Easter Monday 2000 Steps Extra for ILFA" will take place virtually on Monday 5th April. We want patients, carers, family members, healthcare professionals, industry supporters to exercise and take an extra 2000 steps (approximately 1 mile) more than their regular daily step count to raise awareness of pulmonary fibrosis and raise funds to support ILFA's work.

You can take part from anywhere - in your garden, indoors from your house and within 5km of your home while following public health guidance. The important goal is to step it out for health!

Remember to take a photo and log your step count with us! We'll have fun counting the total steps taken to see how far we reach!

Contact ILFA on 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie for more information.

Donate securely online here: https://bit.ly/3cQkGHz

or via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/donate/909831699764531/6015826088443518

 

 

New Infographics to explain Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

ILFA has a new set of infographics to help raise awareness of what Idiopathic Pulonary Fibrosis (IPF) is, the signs and symptoms of IPF and the treatment of IPF. Click the link to expand the image.

What is IPF?

The signs and symptoms of IPF

The treatment of IPF

 

 
 
 

     

World Café Workshop on Pulmonary Fibrosis

An online World Café-style workshop with patients, carers, family members, healthcare professionals and industry representatives will take place via Zoom on Saturday 17th April for approximately 3 hours.

The workshop will allow stakeholders to share ideas on how to address the needs and priorities of the pulmonary fibrosis community. We want to gather this data to help us campaign for a dedicated Clinical Care Programme for Lung Fibrosis. Such programmes exist for other serious health conditions and have dedicated health funding. A structured clinical care programme with a standard model of care is needed to meet the healthcare needs of our patients. It is even more relevant now, as it is anticipated that there may be an increase in the incidence of pulmonary fibrosis from COVID-19 infection.

If you would like to take part in the online ILFA World Café, please register your expression of interest by emailing info@ilfa.ie or calling 086 871 5264.

This event is made possible thanks to funding from the Community Foundation of Ireland and RTE Does Comic Relief.

 

Sing Strong for Pulmonary Fibrosis

ILFA is delighted to announce a new online Sing Strong for Pulmonary Fibrosis online class for patients and carers. A 12-week pilot programme will be delivered once a week by Ciara Meade (Choir Mistress) and her colleague Roisin Calahan (physiotherapist) will assist. Classes will start at the end of April and will last approximately 60-70 minutes each.

Research has shown that singing for lung health classes that are delivered by a trained specialist provided valuable psychological and social benefits to people living with respiratory conditions. Some of the benefits include
- improvement breathing control
- better management of breathlessness
- improved posture
- relief of anxiety
- fun, enjoyment and social interaction

You do not need to be a good singer or have singing experience. The classes will take place online and everyone will sing (muted) from the comfort of their home, while training and exercising their breathing muscles under the expert guidance of a choir mistress.

This activity is supported with funding from Air Liquide Healthcare Ireland and BOC Healthcare Ireland. We are enormously grateful for their kind support.

Please contact ILFA on 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie to register.

 

ILFA’s Weekly Virtual Exercise Classes

ILFA’s Virtual Exercise Class for lung fibrosis patients takes place every Monday and Thursday 11am via Zoom.

The clasess are led by Gordon Cagney (Senior Respiratory Physiotherapist) at University Hospital Limerick and you can join in from the comfort of your home.

Call 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie to register in advance to join the class.

Physiotherapy students at University Hospital Limerick recorded this exercise video to help patients who want to exercise more regularly between classes.

 

Instructions for using Zoom to join ILFA's online meetings

 Click the link for instructions on how to use Zoom to join online meetings and events hosted by ILFA.

Remember to register in advance to join us for our online events and activities.

Call 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie

 

Patient Information Day 27th February 2021

Here is the recording of the ILFA Patient Information Day that took place on Saturday 27th February 2021.

Sincere thanks to our speakers for excellent presentations and to Justin Dawson for providing the technical expertise to deliver this event.

https://youtu.be/IHwRwAN8V-c

 

 

"Let's Talk ... Singing for Lung Health" 

"Let's Talk ... Singing for Lung Health" will take place on Wednesday 24th March at 3pm with Ciara Meade, Choir Mistress with Sing Strong.

Join us to learn more about the health benefits of singing for lung health and breathing.

We will also discuss the launch of a new virtual pilot programme on singing for lung fibrosis patients starting in April 2021.

Please register in advance by calling ILFA on 086 871 5264 or emailing info@ilfa.ie

 

 

 

ILFA Survey on the impact of Covid-19 in 2021

Please take the 2021 ILFA Research Survey via the following link http://bit.ly/ilfaweb or by calling 021 245 5070
 
Last year ILFA conducted a research survey to better understand the personal challenges faced by our members; patients, carers, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders during the first wave of the pandemic. We received over 200 responses and are grateful to everyone who took part.
 
This year, we are conducting a survey to understand how you are managing in Wave 3 of the pandemic. We would be very grateful for your input if you are a patient, carer, family member, lung transplant recipient previously diagnosed with IPF or a healthcare professionals working in respiratory medicine.

Closing date 9th March 2021

 

Online Patient Information Day, Saturday 27th February 2021

The next ILFA Patient Information Day will take place online via Zoom on Saturday 27th February at 11am.

Speakers for the event are;

- Dr Kate O’Reilly, Respiratory Consultant, Mater Misericordiae Hospital

- Professor Bernard Mahon, Professor of Immunology, Maynooth University

- Professor Simon Walsh, Consultant Radiologist, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, London

- Paula Ryan, Respiratory Advanced Nurse Practitioner, University Hospital Limerick

- Gordon Cagney, Physiotherapist, University Hospital Limerick

- Moya Brennan, Singer, composer and musician

Please register in advance using this link http://bit.ly/3jqmLf3 or alternatively contact Gemma by telephone on 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie for this free event.

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy

In March 2021, ILFA was invited to join an online Stakeholder Briefing meeting for an update on the COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy with Minister Stephen Donnelly, Professor Karina Butler (Chair of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee), HSE staff and other patient organisations. We were grateful to hear the rationale for the prioritisation strategy and to have the opportunity to submit questions to the experts. The meeting was valuable and informative.
 
The development of effective COVID-19 vaccines in such a short time represents major progress in response to the pandemic. The evolving real world experience of large populations being effectively vaccinated has resulted in a decrease in COVID-19 hospitalisation rates. While this is hugely encouraging and reassuring, we all need to continue to follow public health guidance and adhere to social distancing and hand hygiene measures to ensure we stay safe.
 
As vaccine supply is currently limited, there is a need to prioritise those groups at greatest risk of illness, hospitalisation and death due to the coronavirus. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has issued the updated COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy based on evidence and an ethical framework to ensure fairness and equity in deciding who should get the vaccine first.
 
The plan is to target vulnerable groups considered to be most at risk and keep them safe. Patients aged 16-69 years with severe pulmonary fibrosis are included in Cohort 4 and will receive the vaccine directly after those aged over 70 years. ILFA submitted a question regarding the definition of "severe" pulmonary fibrosis as mentioned in the allocation strategy and highlighted the risk of an acute exacerbation for pulmonary fibrosis patients. We await clarification and will update you when possible.
 
We also asked if carers/spouses of pulmonary fibrosis patients would be prioritised for the vaccine. At this time, priority is given to pulmonary fibrosis patients and other high risk patients. As the vaccine supply increases, caregivers will be called for vaccinations.
 
The HSE will be responsible for the implementation of the vaccines (how, when, where). The priority list is under constant review.
 
You can read more on the Allocation Strategy on gov.ie/covid19vaccine

 

New ILFA Information Leaflet on Telemedicine 

We are delighted to share our new information leaflet on Telemedicine with you.

Telemedicine is the use of technology by a healthcare professional to provide medical services and healthcare. It includes telephone and video consultations (appointments) with a doctor or nurse, and even things like online pulmonary rehabilitation classes with a physiotherapist.

Knowing how to use telemedicine will help you to continue to receive your healthcare safely from a distance. Click the link below to read our new information leaflet. We hope you will find the information useful.

Telemedicine: Telephone and Video Consultations 

 

 

'Let's Talk ... The Role of Palliative Care in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis'

'Let's Talk ... The Role of Palliative Care in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis' will take place online on Friday 19th February at 2pm.

Palliative care is about maximising your quality of life through symptom management. Our guest speaker is Dr Paul Gregan from Our Lady's Hospice in Dublin.

Register in advance by calling 086 871 5264 or emailing info@ilfa.ie

 

 

Instructions for joining an ILFA online/virtual meeting using Zoom

ILFA uses an online platform called Zoom to host our online meetings.

If you would like to join any of the online activities organised by ILFA, click here for the instructions to help you get started.

It is relatively simple to join the meeting using Zoom but please ask a friend or family member to help you if you are new to this technology.

You can also call Gemma on 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie if help is needed.


 

"Songs I like to Sing" by Mike Joe Fitzgerald

As a young person living in Lispole, Co Kerry, while attending national school Mike Joe loved singing. An early ambition was to sing with and lead a band. Over the years he continued singing and always in the back of his mind was his dream and lifetime ambition to make a CD.

In 2020 Mike Joe decided it's ‘Now or Never’ and so he chose the year of Covid-19 to produce his CD and thankfully, with the support and encouragement of his team, he achieved his dream. Delighted to have completed the recording of 15 of his favourite songs, Mike Joe now wants to use his music and CD to help two charities.

JP O’Sullivan, ‘a rogue and gentleman’, from Lispole, a special and lifetime friend of Mike Joe, who he says ‘‘never does what he is told’, as a result, he wants to share the proceeds of his CD to support his chosen charities;

Firstly - ILFA, due to their great work and support as a patient organisation for those living with Pulmonary Fibrosis.
JP has shown great dedication to ILFA for the help and support they gave him and other patients and
families with pulmonary fibrosis. Mike Joe has travelled JP’s journey with him.

Secondly - the Kerry Cancer Support Group for the great work they do in Kerry for cancer patients and because Mike Joe is a Kerryman after all.

Congratulations to Mike Joe on achieving his ambition and warmest thanks to Mike Joe and his pal JP O'Sullivan for fundraising for ILFA and supporting our work. To order your CD or to make a donation, please contact ILFA on 086 871 5264 or JP O'Sullivan on 087 280 9801


ILFA Patient Information Day Video

The second virtual Patient Information of 2020 took place on 28th November via Zoom.

We are very grateful to our speakers Dr Michael Henry, Respiratory Consultant at Cork University Hospital, Carmel McInerney, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Ennis Hospital, Debbie Gibbons, Palliative Care Physiotherapist at St Francis Hospice, and Sandra Murphy, Dietitian at the Mater Misericoridae University Hospital in Dublin, and Laura Grehan and Gerry Redican who achieved great fundraising success for ILFA in 2020.

 

Let's Talk Christmas

Let's Talk Christmas! The ILFA Christmas Jumper Support Group Meeting will take place on Friday 11th December at 4pm.

Our special guest will be Irene Byrne, Respiratory Physiotherapist at the Mater University Hospital.

Why not put on your festive Christmas jumper (the louder the better!), find a Christmas hat, organise a cuppa or a tipple and join us for some virtual mince pies!
 
All are welcome!

To register, call Gemma on 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie

 

 

Let's Talk Medications

ILFA's next Let's Talk online support group meeting will take place on Tuesday 8th December at 2pm via Zoom.

Our invited guest speaker is Advanced Nurse Practitioner Lynn Fox, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital.

Register in advance by emailing info@ilfa.ie or calling 086 871 5264

 

ILFA COVID-19 Stakeholder Survey

In April-May, ILFA conducted a research survey on the impact of COVID-19 on patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.

We had a great response with over 200 people sharing their experiences with us. The survey results have been incorporated into infographics and can be accessed here.

 

 

ILFA Christmas Cards now on sale

We're delighted to share our 2020 Christmas card designs with you and let you know that the cards are now available to order.
 
Each pack contains 10 cards - 2 cards each of 5 designs. One pack costs €6 and two packs cost €10.
For a limited time, we will give 5 packs for the price of 4!!!
 
Please help raise awareness of lung fibrosis this festive season.
 
Call 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie to place your order.
 
 
 
 

Let's Talk Christmas!

Let's Talk Christmas! The ILFA Christmas Jumper Support Group Meeting will take place online on Friday 11th December at 4pm.

Our special guest will be Irene Byrne, Respiratory Physiotherapist at the Mater University Hospital.

Why not put on your festive Christmas jumper (the louder the better!), find a Christmas hat, organise a cuppa or a tipple and join us for some virtual mince pies!


To register, call Gemma on 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie

Please let us know if you have a festive party piece that you would like to perform via Zoom.

 
 
 

 

COVID-19 & Pulmonary Fibrosis Webinar

The European IPF and Related Disorders Federation will host a webinar on COVID-19 and Pulmonary Fibrosis on Tuesday 1st Decemeber at 6pm GMT.
 
The invited speaker is Professor Gisli Jenkins, a global leader in IPF research.
 
 

 

ILFA Newsletter

The Winter edition of the ILFA Ireland newsletter is also available to read online.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this newsletter possible! We hope you enjoy reading it.
 
If you would like to receive a copy by post, please join our mailing list.

 
 

Patient Information Day (online)

The next ILFA Patient Information Day will take place online on Saturday 28th November from 11am until 1pm.
The meeting will take place using the Zoom online platform.
 
Our speakers will include
 
- Dr Michael Henry, Respiratory Consultant at Cork University Hospital, Cork
- Carmel McInerney, Respiratory Nurse Specialist at Ennis Hospital, Clare
- Debbie Gibbons, Respiratory Physiotherapist at St Francis Hospice, Dublin
- Sandra Murphy, Dietitian at the Mater Misericoridae University Hospital, Dublin
 
We hope you can join us to learn more about pulmonary fibrosis from experts in the field.
Alternatively call 086 871 5264 or email info@ilfa.ie to register for this free online event.
 
 
 

ILFA joins Care Alliance Ireland

The Irish Lung Fibrosis Association is delighted to have been accepted as a member of Care Alliance Ireland -a national network of voluntary organisations supporting family carers. The alliance aims to raise awareness & ensure the role of family carers is fully recognised and valued by society in Ireland.
See www.carealliance.ie for more information.
 
 

ILFA's Online Patient Information Day, July 2020

 

 

CBT Educational Bursaries for Healthcare Professionals