Lymphoedema Service

Lymphoedema Service

Main Address

The aim of the service is to:
  • Assess and treat patients with:
    • Primary Lymphoedema; where swelling is related to an underlying intrinsic problem with the lymphatic system which is often hereditary
    • Secondary Lymphoedema ; where swelling, in any part of the body, is caused by extrinsic factors including damage to the lymphatic system or disruption to drainage pathways which can be as a result of cancer or its  treatment, infection, injury or trauma,  inflammation of the limb, or a lack of limb movement.
  • To advice and support health care professionals on the management of patients with all categories Lymphoedema.
  • Rising awareness of cellulitis management in patients with Lymphoedema including current management practice and guidelines.

Referrals
  • Referrals are accepted for oncology patients with swelling or who are at risk of swelling secondary to cancer treatment or disease progression. A priority triage category will be given to referrals for assessment of  lymphoedema secondary to oncological causes or those where the patient is receiving palliative or end of life care.
  • Non- cancer related referrals will be accepted for patients with swelling of longer than 3 months duration which has not responded  to elevation or diuretics
  • Lymphoedema referrals are triaged according to category and allocated to the most appropriate local clinic dependant on CCG.
  • All requests for domiciliary visits for patients with an Islington GP will be assessed on an individual basis and patients will be asked to attend a clinic if there are no health related contra-indications noted. Hospital transport can be requested if patients meet the eligibility criteria. This service is not commissioned for home visits in Haringey
  • Referrals are accepted from any health professional for patients aged 18 years or over who live or have a GP in Haringey or Islington.
  • We are unable to accept self-referral from patients.
 
To refer to the Lymphoedema Service , please complete the relevant forms listed below and return  to the e-mail address on the form:
 

Alternatively, a medical clinic letter from a healthcare professional will be accepted on clinician’s discretion. Please ensure that it is e-mailed to the central booking service whh-tr.arti.centralbooking@nhs.net.

Waiting times
 
We aim to see patient on receipt of referral:
  • Palliative patients within 2 weeks
  • All other referrals will be prioritised and seen within 6 weeks.
Inappropriate referral:
  • The patient has been referred for implementation or maintenance of standard care including routine Doppler assessment and fitting garments for uncomplicated venous oedema
  • The patient has an ulceration to the legs
  • Referral information is incomplete
Lymphoedema further information:

Opening Hours

Monday - Thursday
8am - 6pm
Last updated26 Jan 2024
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