"I feel privileged and inspired to work with people with CF": CF nurse consultant Caroline Whitton

Can you tell us about your role and what a typical day looks like for you? 

I’ve been working in cystic fibrosis care for 18 years now, progressing from clinical nurse specialist to nurse consultant. Every day in my role is different – it’s one of the things I love about it. We’re clinic-based, so we primarily see people with CF as outpatients. We do see inpatients too, but nowadays we don’t have as many. We also do home visits based on patient needs. I love meeting young adults moving from paediatric to adult care and supporting them through this journey. 

Can you tell us a bit about the CF Nursing Association (CFNA)? 

The aim of CFNA is to bring together nurses across the UK to provide education, offer opportunities to learn from each other, share research, and support each other to provide the best care for people with CF. I’m passionate about CF nursing and the amazing work CF nurses do, which is often quite hidden. The role of CFNA chair has given me amazing opportunities to work with other organisations including NHS England, NICE, but particularly Cystic Fibrosis Trust. 

Tell us what you love most about what you do. 

There are lots of things, but it’s the people with CF – I feel privileged and inspired to work with them. Everyone working in CF is passionate and committed to improving services and patient care. That environment drives you. My friends sometimes envy how much I talk about loving my job! 

What do you hope for the future of CF?

I hope advancements in treatments continue so people with CF can live their lives needing less input from specialists like me, even if that means doing myself out of a job. For now, as health professionals and organisations, I hope we can continue to work collaboratively to strive for the best possible care for the CF community.

Find out more about the updated standards for the nursing management of cystic fibrosis and work of the CFNA.