The National Clinical Programme for Cystic Fibrosis (NCPCF) was convened in 2015 as the body that will plan and direct the delivery of care to people with Cystic Fibrosis.

Prof Charles Gallagher is the National Clinical Lead and Mr Gary Killeen is the Programme Manager.

The NCPCF is governed by a dual governance structure comprising:

• The National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead for Acute Hospitals
• A Clinical Advisory Group, which reports to the President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common, life-limiting autosomal recessive genetic disorder, displaying its highest prevalence in Europe, North America, and Australia.  A mutation of the gene responsible for encoding the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator (CFTR) gives rise to the functional failure of the CFTR and an inability to clear mucus from the airways resulting in mucous retention, chronic infection and subsequent local airway inflammation which is detrimental to lung function.

In Ireland, CF is mainly diagnosed through newborn screen which facilitates early diagnosis and intervention. Since the introduction of newborn screening in July 2011, all children diagnosed with CF are now referred directly to a specialist CF centre.  Globally, Ireland has the highest incidence of CF and greatest proportion of severe mutations.