What is it?
The Cystic Fibrosis Graduation Clinic is a special clinic visit where you and your parents can meet the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Team while still having a regular clinic check up. The Adult Team comes to Children's Hospital from St. Paul's Hospital, and "buddies up" with their counterpart from the other clinic (for example, Dr. Nakielna buddies up with Dr. Davidson). You will receive important information about the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, like who to call if you have questions, and where to park when you go to clinic! Your parents will be close by, attending their own "Parent Graduation Clinic program"! You can take a tour of the Adult Clinic if you want to see it before your first “official” visit.
When is it?
The Graduation Clinic will take place some time during your 18th year, on a Thursday, in the usual location at Children’s Hospital. The exact date changes each year, but you'll get plenty of notice. If two Graduation clinics are needed in a year (because of large numbers of teenagers), then one clinic is held in the Spring and one in the Fall. In this instance, which one you go to will depend on whether you have an early or late birthday.
If I'm nervous about going to the Adult Clinic?
We understand that leaving the Cystic Fibrosis team at Children’s Hospital, and getting to know a new set of people and a new place can be a bit scary. This is one of the reason's we've been talking to you about the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, and will continue to discuss this with you over the next year or so. If you have specific questions, please write them down and bring them to your next clinic visit, or call the Cystic Fibrosis nurse clinician or social worker. If you'd like, we can arrange a tour of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic before your graduation clinic, or have a member of the adult team come to Children's Hospital to talk with you.
What happens after the Graduation Clinic?
After the Graduation Clinic, you will get a notice from Children’s Hospital (as usual) describing the assessment of your clinic visit, and when the Cystic Fibrosis clinic should see you next. However, the next appointment notice will come from the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at St. Paul's Hospital, and that is where you will have your next clinic visit. Be sure to get prescription refills at the Graduation Clinic. Remember that we are in close contact with the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, and you can still call us if you have questions or concerns!
What do I do if I get sick after the Graduation Clinic, but before my first Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic appointment?
It’s your choice. You can call the folks at Children’s Hospital, or the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at St. Paul’s Hospital. If you speak with one of the adult doctors, they might not know you so you’ll have to give them a lot of information (like, exactly what symptoms you have; what meds you take, etc).
Where is it?
St. Paul's Hospital, just over the Burrard Street Bridge in downtown Vancouver. The clinic is located in the Providence building.
The Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinics are held Monday and Wednesday afternoons. You can decide which clinic day/time best fits into your schedule.
How will it be like BC Children's CF Clinic?
The Adult Cystic Fibrosis clinic also uses a "team approach" to your care, including doctors, physiotherapists, dieticians, social workers, etc. At every clinic, you'll get weighed, have pulmonary function testing, and be asked to give a sputum specimen. You'll also periodically get a chest X-ray, and have blood taken.
How will it be different?
Initially, you will be among the youngest patients to attend the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, with the age range between 18 to 73 years of age!! Many patients will be there with a friend, partner, or spouse (some with their kids). St. Paul's Hospital is located in downtown Vancouver, so you're in the middle of all the action! (including great shopping and restaurants).
What will the Adult Team expect of me?
The Adult Cystic Fibrosis team will expect you to be able to describe your medications and treatments for Cystic Fibrosis, and how your health has been since the last clinic visit or hospitalization. They do recognize that initially, some of you may still wish to attend clinic with a parent and have them involved more closely with your care.
How can I get more information about the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic?
You can ask any member of the Cystic Fibrosis team at Children's Hospital, and they will answer whatever questions they can. They may also direct you to the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic Coordinator, Joanne Laviolette at 604.806.8522.