A new service to help patients manage a little known long-term condition which causes mobility issues will be officially launched in west Suffolk this month.
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that can cause swelling in any part of the body but usually develops in arms of legs, making movement difficult.
The West Suffolk Alliance Lymphoedema Service, which is run by West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and Suffolk GP Federation, helps patients to manage their condition and lead independent lives.
The service has been running since October last year and will officially launch later this month to coincide with a Lymphoedema Awareness Day run by Lymphoedema Support Suffolk.
Members of the public and healthcare professionals keen to find out more about the condition are invited to attend an afternoon event on Monday, March 19, from 2pm to 5pm at the Moreton Hall Community Centre, Bury St Edmunds.
The West Suffolk Alliance Lymphoedema Service and Lymphoedema Support Suffolk will be on hand to provide information about the condition, and people can also chat to other healthcare providers and support groups.
Ann Byrne, 53, from Weeting, near Brandon, who has been living with lymphoedema since she was 15, said: “It affects both my legs, my left arm and the left side of my abdomen.
“I compress it with bandages but it’s still very difficult and I have problems moving as a result. Just knowing the service is there has been a great relief. The support and advice that they’re able to provide is a huge help.”
Lesley Bird, 68, from Dullingham, near Newmarket, who was referred to the service by her GP because of swelling in her legs, said: “Lymphoedema is largely unknown and we need to do all we can to raise awareness.
“That’s why this service is so invaluable to the community. The whole team have been incredibly supportive in helping me to manage and understand my condition.”
The new service is based at Drover’s House in Bury St Edmunds.
Treatments are planned and agreed with the patient and include lymphatic drainage, multi-layered bandaging and compression and advice on exercise, positioning and skin care.
Referrals are accepted from all registered healthcare professionals across west Suffolk – although patients are also accepted from Ipswich.
For further information about the lymphoedema open afternoon, or the new service, please contact lymphoedemaservice@nhs.net or email Lymphoedema Support Suffolk on lssuffolk@gmail.com
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