Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Nurse Consultant Judith Glazner has been recognised for her contribution to the Cystic Fibrosis community at this year’s Cystic Fibrosis Australia Patron’s Awards.

The Governor General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, presented Judith with the 2017 Cystic Fibrosis Australia Patron’s CF Centre Star Award during a ceremony at Admiralty House in Sydney yesterday.

Judith, whose 35 years with the RCH was recognised at last week’s Staff Awards, said she had been the CF Clinical Nurse Consultant for the last 25 years and has seen enormous progress made in the treatment of the disease during that time.

“It’s a long time to be in one job, but I’ve been able to see so many changes in the way we care for these children and the outcomes they can expect during this time,” Judith said.

“When I first started in this role, the outcomes for children with CF were often poor and now we see so many of these patients enjoying not only longer life expectancy, but also a better quality of life.”

Judith said approaches to care have evolved over the last twenty years and drugs are now being developed that treat the disease, rather than just the symptoms or problems it can cause.

“It’s very exciting to see the advances that are being made. However, while our patients’ lives are extending as a result of more sophisticated treatments, we are seeing new health issues emerging”.

Judith said CF is a field where there is continuous change and she feels very fortunate to have worked with and supported RCH patients and families throughout her career.

“Helping these patients and their families manage such a complex and challenging condition, and now being able to see so many of them successfully transition to adult healthcare has made it very rewarding.”