Upcoming Let’s Talk Sessions – Registration Links

Let’s Talk Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme (VPR) for Patients

Monday 11 May 2026 @ 2pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/J6vTPwlCRJagOIu0YS8IsA

Let’s Talk Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme (VPR) for Healthcare Professionals

Monday 12 May 2026 @ 1.30pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZCh61khdShC3zCs171DNYA

Let’s Talk Diet and Nutrition with Ciara Walsh

Wednesday 13 May 2026 @ 3pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LnZq5tYZSUmb7L9rGmKgrQ

Would you like to learn more about ILFA’s VPR pilot programme? Led by the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA) and funded by the HSE, this 9-month study will provide a structured virtual rehabilitation programme to patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and other progressive fibrotic interstitial lung diseases.

There are two upcoming Let’s Talk sessions led by ILFA’s physiotherapist team. The first is geared toward providing information for patients on Monday 11th May at 2 pm and then a session on Tuesday the 12th of May at 1:30 pm specifically for Healthcare Professionals.

Let’s Talk Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme (VPR) for Patients

Monday 11 May 2026 @ 2pm

Let’s Talk Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme (VPR) for Healthcare Professionals

Monday 12 May 2026 @ 1.30pm

Now Open: Referrals for Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation (HSE-Funded Study)

Referrals are now open for a national pilot programme delivering virtual pulmonary rehabilitation to patients with lung fibrosis (pulmonary fibrosis including IPF) across Ireland.

Led by the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA) and funded by the HSE, this 9-month study will provide a structured virtual programme to patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and other progressive fibrotic interstitial lung diseases.

Healthcare professionals are invited to refer suitable patients via the referral form, now available on the ILFA website under “Our Work” or at this link (https://ilfa.ie/virtual-pulmonary-rehab-referral/)

Please note, only the following healthcare professionals (Consultant, Registrar, Respiratory ANP or CNS, Physiotherapist) may refer patients.

For queries, please contact VPR@ilfa.ie.

ILFA’s first patient information day of 2026 occurred on Tuesday, 31st March at 2pm. Our CEO, Maureen O’Donnell hosted the session. The following topics were discussed:

Professor Aidan O’Brien Respiratory Consultant at University of Limerick provided an update of pulmonary fibrosis.
Doctor Peter Riddell – Lung Transplant Physician at the Mater University Hospital provided an overview of lung transplants.
Maureen provided an overview of ILFA’s activities and services in 2026.
Elaine Craven – Respiratory Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Connolly Hospital discussed managing your medications.
Gerry Healy – wrapped up the session by sharing his experience with the disease

You can watch it here:

https://youtu.be/eqTpdpB04q4?si=SXwFHisvBtK6JjZ5

(don’t forget to Like and Subscribe so that you stay informed of our content in the future!)

Coping with lung fibrosis can be difficult sometimes. Thanks to HSE funding, we are delighted to be able to offer help if you’re struggling.

The Psychological Counselling Grant Scheme provides financial support for up to six counselling sessions with an ILFA-vetted and suitably qualified psychologist. The scheme is available to individuals diagnosed with lung fibrosis and one family member or carer.

While this is just a pilot programme so funding is limited, if demand is strong it could also support future funding requests for mental health supports.

Places will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. To register your interest or if you would like more information, please contact Kelly by email at info@ilfa.ie

We are very excited to announce that thanks to HSE Section 39 funding ILFA is now in a position to hire an Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Nurse, a Senior Respiratory Physiotherapist and two Physiotherapist Assistants!

Note: Applications must be received by 13th March 2026 and only persons currently living in and with authorisation to work in the Republic of Ireland will be considered for the posts. If you would like to apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter to hr@ilfa.ie

ILD Nurse (Remote Ireland – Detailed Job Description: ILD Nurse Advert)

This role (initially a 1-year contract) will develop and implement ILFA’s nursing adviceline services, building on the non-medical advisory service that we have provided for over a decade. The Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Nurse will provide expert nursing advice, education, and leadership to patients and caregivers living with lung fibrosis within the community setting through an adviceline. The adviceline will provide ILD nursing advice and support to ILD patients regarding a new diagnosis, medication, symptoms changes and self-management.

Senior Respiratory Physiotherapist (Remote Ireland – Detailed Job Description: Sr Physio Advert)

Would you like to be at the cutting edge of patient-centred research in Ireland? If so, this role is your chance to lead a groundbreaking study that could change the way lung fibrosis services are delivered across Ireland.

Studies show that engaging in pulmonary rehabilitation improves outcomes lung fibrosis patients and yet in a 2022 survey conducted by ILFA in conjunction with the Irish Thoracic Society, 75% of respondents had never been offered pulmonary rehabilitation. ILFA would like to change that by building on prior studies to demonstrate for a larger cohort, that virtual pulmonary rehabilitation is safe and effective. Recommendations for scaling a safe and effective virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programme for lung fibrosis patients will be made to the HSE to inform patient care going forward.

We are looking for a Senior Physiotherapist to lead this 9 month pilot project, working with our study partners and other medical and physiotherapy advisory resources to develop and run virtual pulmonary rehabilitation to approximately 100 lung fibrosis patients (including Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and other progressive fibrotic interstitial lung diseases) in 2026.

This project, funded by the HSE under Section 39 provides an opportunity for the right leader to make a difference in the way pulmonary rehabilitation is delivered in Ireland.

Physiotherapy Assistants (Remote Ireland – Detailed Job Description: Physio Assist Advert)

We are also seeking two Physiotherapy Assistants to assist the Senior Respiratory Physiotherapist in the pilot project work. One role will be full time and one part time on a nine-month contract working under the supervision and guidance of a Senior Respiratory Therapist to deliver two waves of eight-week pulmonary rehabilitation courses as part of a virtual pulmonary rehabilitation pilot programme.

Our first Let’s Talk session for 2026 was held on the 17th of February covering an important subject, End of Life Care & Palliative Care. Bettina Korn, End of Life Programme Coordinator at St James Hospital and Dr Una Molloy, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at St Francis Hospice in Dublin led an informative discussion on topics that matter most when dealing with a progressive life limiting condition.

Watch Back: https://youtu.be/WxU4uGd0Hd4

Enter the Andrew Grehan Memorial Raffle for a chance to win one of six €50 Dunnes Store vouchers

Members of staff at the Tullamore Credit Union Ltd have raised funds for the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA Ireland) in memory of their much loved colleague Andrew Grehan.

Andrew was a kind, loyal and dedicated fundraiser for ILFA over many years. His first fundraising event for ILFA took place at the Dublin City Marathon in 2006. Andrew took part to raise funds in memory of his beloved aunt, Denise Cassidy, just 3 weeks after his eldest daughter was born on the day of his aunt’s funeral. Family members ran part of the course with Andrew to help him along the way on a day that was filled with high emotions for everyone. In the years that followed, Andrew ran another 5 Dublin City Marathons, sometimes alone, sometimes with various friends and family members but always to raise funds for ILFA. He then took on several triathlons and cycles often in aid of ILFA but he also fundraised fervently for his local school and football teams in Westmeath. He loved his family, friends, colleagues, teammates and his community and they all loved him and his gentle, compassionate, funny, kind, generous, and warm nature. Andrew died suddenly last September while out for a cycle. At a time of great loss, his family asked for donations to ILFA in his memory.

Andrew’s kind, generous, and loyal support for ILFA continues with a special fundraising legacy. His colleagues at the Tullamore Credit Union collected empty bottles for recycling and the money raised was converted into Dunnes Stores vouchers that are being raffled to support ILFA. Please support the Andrew Grehan Memorial Raffle if you can.

There are 6 chances to win a €50 Dunnes Stores voucher. Individual tickets are just €5 each or you can purchase 3 tickets for €12. Closing date for this raffle is the 18^th March, with the draw to take place on the 20^th March 2026. We are deeply grateful to the Tullamore Credit Union who donated these vouchers to ILFA in memory of Andrew Grehan.

Buy Your Raffle Tickets Today: https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/TheAndrewGrehanMemorialRaffle

We’ve hit the ground running in 2026 with new support groups and events meant to help you stay informed and be supported! Here are just a few of our upcoming activities along with how to sign up.

Support Groups:

Virtual Patient Support Group – This group was established late last year with excellent response. For those who are far away from an in-person support group meeting, you can join us online for discussion and support. The next meeting is Wed 04/02 @ 3pm. Contact Gemma@ilfa.ie to register.
Virtual Transplant Support Group – Are you on the transplant list or have you received a transplant? This support group is being established to provide patients with a virtual network of support. The first meeting will be Mon 09/02. Again, contact Gemma@ilfa.ie to register.

Webinars:

Our first Let’s Talk session will be held on 17/02 at 2 pm. The subject is an important one, End of Life Care & Palliative Care and our speakers will be Bettina Korn, End of Life Programme Coordinator at St James Hospital and Dr Una Molloy, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at St Francis Hospice in Dublin. To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/bf_waX_-Qkqc_2s2bg2xsQ
We’ll be holding a Virtual Patient Information Day on Tues 31/03 @ 2pm. These semi-annual webinars provide an overview of lung fibrosis and interesting discussions on a variety of related topics. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Peter Riddell, Consultant Respiratory Physician at the Mater University Hospital and Assistant Clinical Professor at University College Dublin, as keynote speaker. To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Sv9M3Q20SymViYgczgurWg
Our second Let’s Talk session will be on Nutrition & Diet, living with Pulmonary Fibrosis Tues 07/04 @ 2pm To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LnZq5tYZSUmb7L9rGmKgrQ

Other Activities:

Would you like to help guide ILFA’s Fundraising work in 2026? Our first Fundraising Committee Meeting of the year will be Friday 06/02 @ 9am. Contact Gemma@ilfa.ie for more information.
Are you a nurse in Ireland and a member of ANÁIL? ILFA will be attending the upcoming Respiratory Nurse Association of Ireland 12th National Conference, Thursday on 12/03 in Athlone. We hope to see you there!

Are you a healthcare professional specialising in respiratory diseases and hoping to understand more about Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs)? The the ITS/ILFA ILD Education Day is for you!

ILFA are delighted to once again partner with the Irish Thoracic Society for the annual Interstitial Lung Disease Multi-disciplinary Team and Clinical Update event on Friday, February 13th, 2026, where Dr Steven Nathan will deliver the 2026 Fergus Goodbody Memorial Lecture. The Terence Moran Memorial Trophy will also be awarded for the best case presentation.

ILFA is proud to support education for respiratory healthcare professionals in Ireland.

About Steven Nathan:

Steven D. Nathan, MD, FCCP, is the medical director of Inova’s Advanced Lung Disease Program and Lung Transplant Program. He is also a professor of medicine at the University of Virginia.

Dr. Nathan is board certified in pulmonary diseases, critical care medicine and internal medicine. The author of more than 500 publications, Dr. Nathan is internationally recognized for his expertise in advanced lung diseases. He is co-editor of two books on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis that provide pulmonologists and other healthcare workers with an up-to-date review of the background and advances in the field: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Guide to Clinical Management of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He also has written original research manuscripts, abstracts, reviews and book chapters. Dr. Nathan is a reviewer for multiple journals and is on the editorial board for the journal, Thorax. He has served on multiple committees, including U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory boards as well as steering committees for clinical trials in IPF and pulmonary hypertension, where he has also served as chair.

Dr. Nathan is a member of several professional medical associations, including the American Thoracic Society, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. He has delivered talks and been chairperson of numerous sessions at many national and international conferences.