Referral form (Single Point of Access)Acute Assessment Unit
About us
This service supports people who have lymphoedema, a swelling of body tissue caused by failure of the lymphatic system.
Lymphoedema is a lifelong condition for which there is no cure.
It can be primary – due to congenital insufficiency of the lymphatic vessels; or secondary – when it may arise because of cancer or its treatment. It is debilitating, uncomfortable and in some cases painful.
This condition has a profound effect on quality of life for individuals and their families. It is a chronic condition, and the patient needs regular check-ups (and possibly further intensive treatment) for the rest of their life.
Untreated lymphoedema causes considerable morbidity and requires regular district nursing attention for weeping legs (lymphorrhoea) and associated leg ulcers and it often results in hospital admissions with recurrent cellulitis.
The Lymphoedema service aims to:
- Offer a comprehensive Lyphoedema Specialist Practitioner led service for patients with Lymphoedema and Chronic oedema registered with a Richmond GP.
- Provide a comprehensive community-based service for patients with Lymphoedema; with access to appropriate treatment nearer to their homes, hence avoiding hospital treatments and improving the patient’s quality of life.
- Provide the highest quality treatment, advisory and support service to patients with chronic oedema, to prevent or delay complications of chronic oedema and prepare the patient for long-term independence.
- Maintain a close working relationship with GPs and other primary care staff. It will be a resource to promote the management of oedema, providing specialist advice and education to health care professionals commonly encountering this condition.
- Grace Osae - Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist
- Samia Khan - Lymphoedema Healthcare Assistant
- Natalia Duarte - Lymphoedema Specialist Practitioner
- Amrit Mangat - Lead Administrator
- Elizabeth Foster - Administrator
- Jessica Lebert - Administrator
- Ita White - Administrator
Who can refer?
Referrals to the Lymphoedema service can be made by:
- Health care professionals
- Allied health professionals
Indications for referral
- Patients with chronic oedema/lymphoedema with lymphorrhoea (leaky legs)
- Patients with a history of repeated cellulitis related to oedema
- Secondary lymphoedema/chronic oedema; swelling that has been present for longer than 3 months not reducing on elevation and who must already be known to the Adult Community Nursing Service
- Lymphoedema secondary to cancer
- Primary lymphoedema