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National Centre of Expertise for Alpha-1

June 27, 2014 Alpha1 Admin Comments Off

 

In May 2016 the HSE designated the Alpha-1 Clinical Unit at Beaumont Hospital (along with Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland) as the National Centre of Expertise for Alpha-1.

Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland is based in the RCSI Education & Research Centre at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. Foundation staff of 3 includes a CEO, a dedicated senior scientist and a specialist Alpha-1 nurse. These positions are supported in part by funding from the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive (HSE).  Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland hosts an information centre for members of the public and healthcare professionals and enquiries can be made by phone or email. The foundation also hosts an annual conference for patients and their families, usually held in October (see 2018 conference report here).

The National Alpha-1 Clinic is based at Beaumont Hospital. Here, the rapid access specialist Alpha-1 clinic is available for newly-diagnosed Alphas where they are seen by a multidisciplinary team including doctors, nurses, respiratory scientists, and physiotherapists. Professor Gerry McElvaney is the clinical lead at the Alpha-1 clinic and is a consultant respiratory physician with over 30 years experience of Alpha-1. 

Figure 1. Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland Activities