Lymphoedema Service

The service is for anyone with Lymphoedema through any cause, not just those with a life-limiting illness.

The Lymphoedema Service is run by Lymphoedema Nurse Specialists who provide treatment and care to those who require it at the Hospice and if necessary within their own home.  A satellite service is also provided at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup. 

The Lymphoedema Team provides advice, support and information to the patient if they have developed, or may be at risk of developing primary or secondary Lymphoedema. 

Primary Lymphoedema is as a result of damage to the lymphatic system from birth. or development during adolescence or in mid-life as a result of abnormal functioning of the lymphatic system.

Secondary Lymphoedema is as a result of treatment for cancer (e.g. radiotherapy or surgery) or as a result of accidental trauma or injury, venous insufficiency, reduced mobility and impediment. 

For an informal discussion, contact a member of the Lymphoedema Team on 020 8320 5804.

Referrals can be made by a healthcare professional.  Download the Specialist Lymphoedema Referral form.

For out of area patients, funding will be sought from the appropriate Primary Care Trust before they can be seen.

Treatment specialties include:

• Skin care
• Exercise/limb positioning
• Daily simple lymphatic drainage (self massage)
• Compression hosiery.

Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy comprises of:

• Skin care
• Manual Lymphatic drainage
• Multi-layer Lymphoedema bandaging.

For further information please telephone the Lymphoedema Nurse Specialists on 020 8320 5804 or email lymphoedema@gbch.org.uk

Self care/cornerstones of management 

Alongside the service offered, the Lymphoedema nurses encourage and show the patient how to care for themselves in between appointments.  This forms an essential part of the patient's maintenance management. 

The following long term management of both upper and lower limb lymphoedema involves:

• Daily skin care
• Exercise or movement
• Regular wearing of compression garments
• Limb elevation
• Simple lymphatic drainage carried out by you or a trained relative/carer.

Workshops

Simple Lymphatic Drainage workshops are held regularly, they are run by our Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist Volunteer. The workshops are designed to teach techniques coupled with valuable information for the care and management of this condition.         

C.A.M.E.L. Support Group (Care And Massage Eases Lymphoedema)

This friendly self-help group meets every six weeks in Shornells (our Day Care facility) at the Hospice and gives the patient the chance to socialise and make new friends while receiving support to help them manage their condition coupled with advice on other non-clinical matters.  The group is organised by a patient committee and is supported by the Lymphoedema Nurse Specialists.

We encourage patients to achieve the four cornerstones of lymphoedema management:

• simple lymphatic draining
• exercise
• skin care
• compression hosiery.

For more information contact one of the Lymphoedema Nurses on 020 8320 5804 or email lymphoedema@gbch.org.uk