In a significant innovation, the Cystic Fibrosis Team from South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust alongside University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, in partnership with Hydrate for Health, have crafted a breakthrough device named HydroBubble.
Launched in Coventry and Warwickshire in April 2024, this device is dedicated to assisting children with Cystic Fibrosis and has been met with widespread acclaim from both the children who use it and their families.
The device was developed by Yasmin Hussaini, Jane White, and Naomi Parsons from the Cystic Fibrosis Team, who recognized a more effective method to administer an essential NHS treatment.
- Reusable and sustainable: HydroBubble is entirely reusable, aligning with the NHS’ commitment to achieving net zero emissions. It significantly reduces waste and environmental impact.
- Cost-effective: HydroBubble is a more affordable alternative to existing PEP devices, ensuring cost savings without compromising quality or effectiveness.
- User-friendly: HydroBubble can be easily held or hung, enhancing patient comfort and safety during therapy sessions.
- Easy to clean and maintain: The device is dishwasher safe and equipped with a flexible tube cleaning brush; HydroBubble simplifies maintenance and ensures optimal hygiene standards.
Feedback has been extremely positive, with families delighted that there is now a dedicated and fun device to support their children with Cystic Fibrosis.
Rebecca Bott, Mother of Ivan Wright – a Cystic Fibrosis patient, said: “The device is really simple and effective, and it makes chest physiotherapy fun for Ivan.”
“He can already drink by himself, so HydroBubble is simple for him to use by himself.”
Yasmin Hussaini and Jane White from the Cystic Fibrosis Team said: “Children with Cystic Fibrosis need to do chest physiotherapy every day, which they can find onerous. We want to help keep their lungs as healthy as possible, and one way we can do this is by using Bubble PEP.
“The traditional Bubble PEP device consists of a bottle and tubing. It is complex to clean and challenging for our younger patients to use without the aid of an adult. It also creates a huge amount of plastic waste on our wards, as the device needs to be changed weekly. Therefore, we teamed up with Mark Moran, MBE from Hydrate for Health and developed the HydroBubble, which ticked all our boxes.
“We have been using HydroBubble with our Cystic Fibrosis toddlers and children. The device, which our children use twice daily for chest physiotherapy and think is great fun, can be conveniently used indoors, outdoors or on the go.
“The HydroBubble can also be used by adults and children who suffer with extra secretions, as well as people who have been diagnosed with a chronic lung condition such as COPD and Bronchiectasis.”
Maggie Hufton, UHCW Consultant Paediatrician, said: “Airway clearance is a vital part of paediatric Cystic Fibrosis care, and we are so proud to be part of this exciting development.
“We have been trialling it on the ward to improve airway clearance for children with pneumonia and long-term respiratory conditions to aid quicker recovery and reduce length of stay. The device is colourful and easy to use, and our younger patients love using it.”
- NHS Supply chain code: GTV85391
- Amazon: search ‘HydroBubble’
- Contact: hydrobubble@hydrateforhealth.
co.uk | visit: www.HydroBubble.co.uk | Telephone: 0800 292 2382
