Folder Lymphoedema Service
Overview
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 related lymphoedema
- chronic oedema and Lipoedema.
Lymphoedema is a swelling that develops as a result of an impaired lymphatic system. It can affect any part of the body. It 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. It 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. 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'.
Location of main clinics
Contact details
Usual service hours are Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8.30am to 4.30pm. For out-of-hours advice contact NHS 111.
Clinical Nurse Specialist: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: 07827 230848
Service base: Queensway Health Clinic
Helpline: 01707 252466
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Administrator: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Refer to the service
Any healthcare professional involved in a patient’s care can make a referral to the service.
Complete a referral form and email it to the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
A recent hospital letter about their cancer treatment and medical summary, including current medication, is also helpful.
Direct all enquiries on the suitability of the referral to the helpline: 01707 252466.
Once the service has accepted a referral, the patient will be allocated a New Referral Assessment Appointment. The appointment will be at the most appropriate clinic for them usually the one closest to their home.
There are two ways you can make a referral:
- Email the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Via the Electronic Referral System
The service accepts referrals for people over the age of 18 with a West Essex CCG GP. Find further details in the Lymphoedema – information for service users leaflet.
Useful websites and documents
- The Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN) – patient led organisation focused on lymphoedema and its management with information and advice for all
- International Lymphoedema Framework – develops best practical guidelines on the diagnosis and management of lymphoedema
- The British Lymphology Society – BLS members consist of healthcare professionals involved in lymphoedema and its management
- Disability Living Foundation – providing practical advice for people living with all forms of disability. It is regularly updated with new and improved advice on suppliers of products and useful links to other resources
- BLS and LSN Guidance on the management of cellulitis in Lymphoedema