Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is swelling of limbs or other parts of the body resulting from surgery (e.g. after lymph glands are removed), treatments or medical conditions (e.g. cancer obstructing drainage systems or heart failure).

Patients can receive lymphoedema care at Dorothy House as an outpatient, whilst attending the Day Patient Unit or on the In Patient Unit. We also provide a limited service within local hospitals, nursing homes, residential homes and peoples own homes. This is primarily for palliative care patients, who are unable to get out and about.

The DH Lymphoedma Service offers the following:

• Assessment, initiation of treatment and monitoring.

• Advice on self management of Lymphoedema: -skincare, exercise, health promotion and prevention of complications

• Compression therapy- assessment and fitting of compression bandaging or garments

• Manual Lymphatic drainage therapy- this is a gentle skin stretch massage.
  
  
  
  Transport
  
  In special circumstances we can arrange transport to and from Dorothy House with our volunteer drivers.
  
  
  

The Lymphoedema team consists of:

• Team leader

• Clinical Nurse Specialist

• Nurses

• Administration staff

The Direct Office number is 01225 721497

Referrals for our lymphoedema services are via the patients GP, consultant or other health care professional.