St James’s Hospital TB referral centre has a team which consists of Consultants, Registrar, TB Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), senior pharmacist and secretary. The TB CNS is an integral part of this team. The role is wide-ranging and involves been an advocate for the patient, maintaining continuity of care, supporting and educating the patients. This is in addition to also educating those involved in the patient’s care. A holistic approach is important as each patient differs in the level of support/needs required therefore care and support must be patient centred. Most patients diagnosed with active TB are treated in the ambulatory care setting. The TB CNS is the link for the patient between community care and the hospital TB team.
The TB team works in conjunction with other MDT members and hold’s twice weekly MDT meetings. Our MDT members consist of Microbiology colleagues from the Irish Microbiology Reference Laboratory (IMRL) and Public Health. The IMRL updates the team on the identification type of TB and sensitivities so that treatment is tailored accordingly. Our TB MDT offers clinicians from around the country the opportunity to discuss their patients also when they are seeking our expert input and advice. All MDT outcomes are documented on our Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system by the TB CNS. The TB service holds weekly outpatient clinics, twice weekly ward rounds and a fortnightly Nurse Led Latent TB clinic. We also offer urgent walk in reviews outside of clinic times.
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