Current Challenges in Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Care: Implications for Nutrition and Well-Being

Chris is a paediatric dietitian with over 18 years’ experience in clinical dietetics. Following his training in London, he worked at the Royal Free Hospital, London for many years before moving to the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, Brighton, in 2007. He is currently the lead paediatric acute dietitian in a team of 10 specialist dietitians. His main interest is in cystic fibrosis (CF) & gastroenterology. 

Chris lectures on paediatric nutrition & dietetics at the University of Surrey & the University of Sussex Medical & Nursing School in Brighton. He is also a lecturer for several leading nutrition companies internationally. Chris was co-Chair of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society (ECFS) Nutrition group from 2014-2019 & was part of the scientific planning committee for several years, leading the Gastro, Nutrition & Liver planning committee for the 2019 conference. He now represents the specialty of nutrition for the ECFS Education group. 

Chris, along with his co-chair, conceived, developed & contributed to a now annual European wide basic & advanced pre-conference nutrition course. The course, which is delivered by some of the leading experts in various nutrition fields throughout Europe & the US, has been attended by delegates from over 20 countries. Chris also works with the Charity CFEurope in many Eastern European countries including Romania, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine & Serbia to teach theoretical & practical nutritional management of infants & children with CF.

Dr Sally Harris has worked as a psychologist with children with chronic health conditions since 2002. She started her career as a research psychologist at the University of Sheffield & completed a PhD in psychological aspects of childhood cancer in 2008. Sally then completed the Clinical Psychology Doctorate (ClinPsyD) training programme at the University of Manchester in 2013 & worked as a Clinical Psychologist at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, before starting her current post at Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton in 2015. 

Sally works with children, parents & siblings using a range of therapeutic approaches & has a particular interest in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) & Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). She has worked in several paediatric specialities (including cancer, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, gastroenterology, rheumatology, & disfigurement/visible difference) with a range of issues relating to chronic conditions. These include issues such as pain, anxiety about procedures, managing & living with symptoms, anxiety & low mood, motivation & adherence to treatment, adjustment to symptoms & illness, & peer, school & family difficulties. 

Sally is registered with the Health Care Professions Council as a Clinical & Health Psychologist & is a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) & Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS). She has also published research examining child & family adjustment to chronic conditions & is actively involved in research.