In May 2016 the HSE designated the Alpha-1 Clinical Unit at Beaumont Hospital (along with Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland) as the National Centre of Expertise for Alpha-1.

Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland is based in the RCSI Education & Research Centre at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. Foundation staff of 3 includes a CEO, a dedicated clinical scientist and a specialist Alpha-1 nurse. These positions are supported in part by funding from the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive (HSE).  Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland hosts an information centre for members of the public and healthcare professionals and enquiries can be made by phone or email. The foundation also hosts an annual conference for patients and their families, usually held in October each year (see 2018 conference report here).

The National Alpha-1 Clinic is based at Beaumont Hospital on the northside of Dublin city. Here, the rapid access specialist Alpha-1 clinic is available for newly-diagnosed Alphas where they are seen by a multidisciplinary team including doctors, nurses, respiratory scientists, and physiotherapists. Professor Gerry McElvaney is the clinical lead at the Alpha-1 clinic and is a consultant respiratory physician with over 35 years experience of Alpha-1. Professor Cedric Gunaratnam and Dr. Michelle Casey also lead the expert AATD service.

For more information on the National Centre of Expertise for Alpha-1, visit the Beaumont Hospital website here.

Figure 1. Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland Activities.