To ask the Minister of Health to outline the number of people with cystic fibrosis who are currently waiting for a lung transplant; and what steps he is currently taking to improve outcomes for patients on the waiting list.

Across the UK 271 people were on the active lung transplant list on January 18 2022, of which 10 were from Northern Ireland. Thirty-six people on the UK transplant list are reported as having cystic fibrosis.

Northern Ireland patients being considered for lung transplantation are regularly reviewed by the local cystic fibrosis multi-disciplinary team clinic and assessed by the transplant specialists from the Freeman’s Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne. Patients have access to social workers, dieticians, physiotherapists, nurses and their consultant through face-to-face or virtual consultations.

Currently all patients attending the adult cystic fibrosis service have been offered access to the appropriate cystic fibrosis drug therapies, which has led to significant improvements in quality of life and has the potential to delay the need for lung transplantation.

Paediatric cystic fibrosis patients receive the appropriate drug therapies for their age group and if awaiting a lung transplant, the patient would be stabilised with ongoing antibiotics, improved nutrition and access to networks such as Great Ormond Street Hospital.