A team from Southampton Children’s Hospital, including consultant Dr Julian Legg, physiotherapist Hannah Wilkins, and dietitian Sian Phillips, travelled to Varna, Bulgaria to participate in the national paediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) conference in May 2023. Their aim was to share their knowledge and connect with the Bulgarian CF team. The conference provided an important platform for discussing new developments in CF care and treatment.
At the conference, Dr Legg presented on the latest research and clinical practices in cystic fibrosis. Hannah Wilkins discussed advanced respiratory techniques crucial for maintaining lung function in CF patients, while Sian Phillips focused on nutritional strategies to support growth and manage gastrointestinal issues. Their presentations were well-received and sparked productive discussions on improving CF care.
In addition to their conference presentations, the Southampton team met with members of the Varna paediatric CF service. This meeting allowed them to understand the local challenges and successes in CF care and explore potential areas for further collaboration.
A significant outcome of the visit was the establishment of a plan for a reciprocal visit by a team of Bulgarian medical professionals to Southampton. This upcoming exchange will allow Bulgarian doctors, physiotherapists, and dietitians to observe and learn from the practices at Southampton Children’s Hospital. They will participate in hands-on training sessions, attend workshops, and engage in collaborative discussions with their UK counterparts. This initiative aims to further enhance the skills and knowledge of the Bulgarian team, fostering a deeper understanding of advanced CF care techniques and strengthening the partnership between the two medical communities.