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PRIMROSE HOSPICE & CANCER HELP CENTRE - Primrose Hospice is an independent charity, offering advice and support to cancer patients and their families in the North Worcestershire area.
Lymphoedema Service
A Lymphoedema Service is provided for Worcestershire patients by the Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, supported by funding from Primrose Hospice, Kemp Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Relief, and clinics are held in various settings around the county, including Primrose Hospice.
Lymphoedema is a chronic progressive condition that is generally characterised by the swelling (oedema) of one or more limbs or other areas of the body. Whilst not curable, the condition can be treated and managed, especially if it is diagnosed in the early stages.
The condition can be primary or secondary. Cancer related lymphoedema is secondary and is caused through damage to the lymph nodes. In layman’s terms, if the lymph nodes are damaged or blocked, a swelling occurs, as the lymphatic fluid accumulates, instead of flowing around the body.
Patients are referred to the service via Primrose’s physiotherapist, the District Nurses, GPs, and Macmillan Nurses and through contact with Primrose’s clinical team.
As well as offering advice to patients on positioning, exercise and skin care, the nurses are able to offer intensive courses of bandaging to reduce a particularly swollen limb, followed by measurement for compression hosiery and/or garments. The service also practices simple lymphatic drainage and manual lymphatic drainage where appropriate.
If you would like further information, please contact Primrose’s Care Team on 01527 871051.
