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We are a nurse-led service offering conservative treatments (advice on skin care, exercise, compression and massage) for people affected by lymphoedema and chronic oedema.
The service offers specialist advice, support and management for cancer and non-cancer related lymphoedema and for those with complex oedema at end of life. It is a nurse led service and operates in East and North Hertfordshire and West Essex. A similar service for West Hertfordshire is run by Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust.
Lymphoedema is a swelling that develops as a result of an impaired lymphatic system. It can affect any part of the body but is most commonly seen in an arm or a leg.
Although lymphoedema cannot be cured, it can be controlled and often improved. Early intervention and referral can help achieve better long-term outcomes.
The role of the Lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and lymph nodes that help drain lymph fluid and plays an important role in supporting your body’s immune system. Damage to the lymphatic’s can cause swelling and an increased risk of infection (cellulitis).The lymphatic’s form part of your immune system, helping to deal with infection at a local level but just as importantly, they are responsible for cleansing your tissues and maintaining a balance of fluids in your body.
How does Lymphoedema occur?
If, for whatever reason, the lymphatic system is not working correctly, or the vessels are not draining adequately, the fluid in the tissues builds up. Swelling occurs when the amount of fluid in an area, is greater than the capacity of the lymphatic system to transport it away.Lymphoedema can, therefore, be defined as 'an abnormal accumulation of protein rich fluid in the tissues'.
Contact the service
Tel: 0300 123 7571
Referrals to the service can be accepted either by e-mail to herts.lymphoedemaservice@nhs.net or via ERS.
- Address: Kingsway Health Centre Unit 18, Stevenage Leisure Park Stevenage SG1 2UA, Stevenage, SG1 2UA
- How the service is provided
- Who is eligible for the service
- What will happen at your appointment
- Useful information
- Making a referral
- Patient experience
How the service is provided
The service is provided by a specialist lymphoedema nurse or physiotherapist, in a health clinic, community hospital, hospice, nursing or residential home or in the patient's own home. Treatment is provided based on best practice and national guidelines - (We only do domiciliary visits in East and North Hertfordshire)
The service operates Monday to Friday between the hours of 8am to 5pm. It does not operate on bank holidays.
Who is eligible for the service
- Patients who have lower limb oedema. The cause of swelling should be assessed by a GP prior to referral with active management in place for any underlying medical / psychosocial factors where appropriate.
- Patients who have lymphoedema resulting from malignancy or its treatment
- Patients who have complex oedema resulting from advancing malignancy or organ failure
- Patients with lipoedema
- Healthcare professionals requesting education and advice in all aspects of lymphoedema or chronic oedema
- Patients under the age of 18 may be seen in conjunction with diagnosing consultant
- Patients must be registered with a GP in East or North Hertfordshire or West Essex
- Patients must have a BMI of less than 40 unless on an active weight loss management programme
- No wounds or wet legs
- Class one simple compression to be trialled before referral
What will happen at your appointment
A full holistic assessment is performed and will consider your physical, psychological, social and occupational wellbeing.
An individual care plan will formulated with you depending on your specific needs.
Assessment and management is guided by best practice guidelines and patient preference.
Treatments for lymphoedema focus on the four cornerstones of care:
- Skincare
- Compression garments (stockings and arm sleeves)
- Lymphatic bandaging
- Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and simple lymphatic drainage (SLD) self-massage
- Lymphatic specific exercises
It can be helpful for anyone who helps you with your care to attend the appointment with you.
Useful information
Websites
Lymphoedema Support Network
Patient led organisation focused on lymphoedema and its management with information and advice for all.
www.lymphoedema.org
Tel: 0207 351 4480
The international Lymphoedema Framework
Projects develops best practical guidelines on the diagnosis and management of lymphoedema.
www.lympho.org
The British Lymphology Society
BLS members consist of health care professionals involved in lymphoedema and its management.
www.thebls.com
Disability Living Foundation
Providing practical advice for people living with all forms of disability and is regularly updated with new and improved advice on suppliers of products and useful links to other resources.
www.dlf.org.uk
Making a referral
Referrals are accepted from any health care professional involved in the patient's care.
The East and North Herts and West Essex referral form should be completed and sent by email to Herts.lymphoedemaservice@nhs.net.
Alternatively, referrals can also be posted to:
Referral Hub
Robertson House
Six Hills Way
Stevenage
SG1 2FQ
A recent hospital letter regarding their cancer treatment, medical summary including current medication is also helpful.
All enquiries regarding the suitability of the referral should be directed to our helpline: 0300 1237571
Following acceptance of a referral to the service a new referral assessment appointment will be allocated to the patient at the most appropriate clinic for them usually the one closest to your home.
| Provider | Target audience | Description |
| Haddenham Health Care https://haddenham.thinkific.com/ |
Nurses, health care assistants, Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) with an interest in lymphoedema and chronic oedema management | There are five key modules around anatomy and physiology, caring for patients with chronic oedema and understanding the theory and practical elements of using compression garments and wraps |
| Jobst Academy via Essity https://www.bsnmedical.co.uk/education/jobstr-academy/jobstr-academy-training-modules.html |
Nurses, health care assistants, AHPs with an interest in lymphoedema and chronic oedema management | There are 16 modules discussing chronic oedema, cancer related lymphoedema, lipoedema and managing this |
|
Lymphoedema Support Network http://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/lymphoedema |
Aimed at GP’s but open to all health professionals to the BMJ module focuses on recognising and diagnosing and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) modules adds further depth to this.
Lipoedema UK
https://www.lipoedema.co.uk/royal-college-of-general-practitioners-elearning-course-on-lipoedema/
Aimed at GP’s but open to all health professionals This module focuses on recognising and managing Lipoedema
It has long been recognised that lymphoedema, lipoedema and chronic oedema is often poorly recognised and diagnosed and treated late, which is detrimental to patient outcomes.
These free, quality assured modules would give anyone with an interest in understanding and treating these conditions a better evidence base for practice.
Patient experience
If you would like to share your story, please contact the Patient Experience team on 0800 0116113 or email hct.patientexperienceteam@nhs.net
We would also love to hear about your experience on our service, please complete a survey by clicking here.
