From 30 June 2022, this website will not be updated

For the latest local health and care information, visit the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) website.

From 1 July 2022, Clinical Commissioning Groups will cease to exist.

Commissioning functions and information that has previously been held by West Essex CCG is transferring to the new NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB. Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB will become the new data controller. Contact us if you have any questions about the use of data (including patient data) by the new ICB. There are no changes to how you access NHS frontline services in west Essex as part of these changes.

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

Documents

Toggle Title Date
document Lymphoedema service information for service users leaflet ( docx, 357 KB ) (905 downloads) Popular
document West Essex Lymphoedema Sevice Referral Form ( doc, 37 KB ) (979 downloads) Popular