|
Lymphoedema is swelling due to excess accumulation of fluid in the tissues caused by inadequate drainage The condition often affects people who have had cancer, and/or are undergoing treatment for cancer. |
|
|
Studies show that patients frequently find lymphoedema more distressing than their cancer. The condition cannot be cured but it can usually be alleviated and controlled. Untreated lymphoedema generally gets worse, leading to a progression of all symptoms and increased anxiety and depression, therefore better treatment outcome is linked to early intervention.
Our aim is: |
|
- To promote lymphoedema management in the primary care setting
- To increase awareness of lymphoedema management amongst health care professionals.
- To achieve a reduction of lymphoedema, long-term control of the condition and improved psychological well being.
Harlington Hospice established a lymphoedema service in 2002.
The clinic is open Monday to Friday, and is staffed by a fully experienced team of therapists. It is available free to people diagnosed with lymphoedema who are resident within the London Borough of Hillingdon.
|
The Service provided involves:
|
The treatment aims to improve and control swelling but can not remove the cause of the oedema and usually involves four aspects of care, which need to be carried out daily to achieve the best results., this involves:
- SKIN CARE – to keep the skin in good condition and prevent infection which could exacerbate the swelling
- COMPRESSION – to prevent swelling accumulating in the limb using multi-layered bandages or medical compression garments
- EXERCISES AND MOVEMENT – muscular action helps lymphatic drainage
- MANUAL AND SIMPLE LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE – a type of skin massage to encourage lymph drainage away from the swollen areas to areas with normal drainage.
If you suffer from lymphoedema, and wish to access the service, you will first need to obtain the consent of either your GP, Community Nurse, Hospital Consultant or Breast Care Nurse. They will need to complete a referral form and return it to the clinic. You will then be contacted by the clinic and offered an appointment for your first visit.
The Hospice also has an active Lymphoedema Support Group, which is patient led. Meetings are held four times a year.
For further information please contact the Harlington Hospice and ask for the Lymphoedema Service.