Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling in your body’s tissue.
NHS Birmingham East and North Lymphoedema Service consists of a team Clinical Nurse Specialists experienced in the prevention, treatment and management of lymphoedema. We aim to:
- Identify people at risk of or with lymphoedema to ensure that patients receive high quality education and life long care.
- Empower people at risk of or with lymphoedema to take control of their condition.
- Work to agreed standards for comprehensive ongoing assessment, planning, education, advice, treatment and monitoring.
- Provide high quality clinical care for people with infections (cellulitis).
- Provide compression garments for people with, and where warranted, at risk of lymphoedema.
- Refer any people at risk of or with lymphoedema for multi-agency support from health and social services when required.
- Work closely with other health services to ensure that all patients needs are met.
Who can use the service
All adults registered with a NHS Birmingham East and North GP who are at risk of, or with lymphoedema. Patients from outside the area may be able to use the service in certain circumstances.
How to use the service
A healthcare professional, such as a hospital consultant, GP or clinical nurse, can refer you to the service. All referrals will require completion of a Lymphoedema Service Referral Form
Where we provide the service
The service is based at John Taylor Hospice, but home visits will be offered as appropriate.
When we provide the service
Between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
Contact details
Lymphoedema Service
John Taylor Hospice
Grange Road
Erdington
Birmingham B24 0DF
Tel: 0121 465 2047
What to expect when you attend for the first time
The Service aims to provide all adults at risk of lymphoedema or established lymphoedema with the following:
- A specialised diagnostic assessment
- A negotiated clinical treatment and management plan
- Appropriately patient focused health education regimes and preventative advice
- Support and education for patients, carers, family and healthcare professional.
How you can look after yourself
For all those who have been identified as being at risk of developing lymphoedema, it is important to try to minimise the risk of it occurring. It is important to try to avoid infection (cellulitis) in the ‘at risk’ limb.
Keep the ‘at risk’ limb spotlessly clean using soapless cleansers and ensure that the skin is dried carefully. It is very important to keep the skin supple and never allowed to dry out. Use a moisturising cream on a daily basis. Maintain a regular exercise programme and maintain a healthy weight and report any concerns to your health professional.
Useful links
- NHS Choices: Lymphoedema
- British Lymphology Society – aimed at healthcare professionals
- Lymphoedema Support Network – aimed at patients
