St George's Centre
91 Victoria Road
Netherfield
Nottingham
NG4 2NN

Tel: 0115 961 3092
Web: www.tofs.org.uk

Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula Support (TOFS) is a registered, UK-based charity dedicated to providing emotional support to families of children born with tracheo-oesophageal fistula, oesophageal atresia and associated conditions.

Tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) and oesophageal atresia (OA) are rare congenital conditions of the oesophagus (food pipe) and/or trachea (airway) that affect one in every 3,500 babies. Babies born with TOF/OA need to have intensive neonatal care prior to corrective surgery, normally within days of birth. Some children have to undergo additional surgical interventions later on in their lives. Whilst many children born with TOF/OA will experience only a few problems, others may have difficulties with swallowing and digesting food, gastro-oesophageal reflux (where the acidic stomach contents pass back into the lower oesophagus) and respiratory problems. The effects of surgery and associated health problems can add a great deal to the usual challenges of parenthood.

TOFS offers friendship, support and information through:

• One-to-one support from parents and relatives with experience of caring for a child with TOF/OA.
• Social events and activities.
• Their online community.
• Information leaflets and resources on many aspects of TOF/OA.

TOFS is a recognised source of information for professionals with an interest in TOF/OA. TOFS also takes an interest in research into the causes and implications of these conditions.