Lymphoedema Clinic
Our clinic provides holistic care and a programme of treatment is devised in partnership with the patient. We are committed in supporting and educating patients on their condition, to enable them to maintain independence. Whilst we are currently delivering our care in alternate ways, you can find our Lymphoedema Resources here.
What is Lymphoedema?
Put simply, lymphoedema is a condition which affects the lymphatic system; the process by which we filter and drain waste fluid from our bodies. If the lymphatic system is unable to cope with the drainage of this ‘lymph’ it can cause the pooling of fluid in the tissues beneath the skin. This can lead to swelling, usually in the arms and legs, but other parts of the body can also be affected.
There are two types of Lymphoedema: Primary, which is often hereditary and runs in families and Secondary, which is usually the result of damage to the lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes being scarred, blocked or removed following cancer treatment, trauma, surgery or infection.
The good news is that there are several ways that Lymphoedema can be treated:
- Taking care of the skin
- Exercise
- Compression using special bandages and hosiery (this may be long term)
- Lymphatic drainage
Patients may need one treatment or a combination of all of them, either all at once or at different times. Lymphoedema also requires daily self-management and our nurses can provide patients with the information they need to understand and effectively manage their symptoms.
Lymphoedema and the COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 is an infection caused by an infectious respiratory coronavirus. Vaccinations are currently being rolled out across the U.K to help protect the population from this infectious disease
Please click here to see a consensus document which aims to give advice regarding the vaccination to patients with lymphoedema, based on the best available evidence and expert opinion.
How is someone referred to our Lymphoedema Clinic?
Patients may be referred by their Consultant, GP or other health care professional, who should complete a referral form.
The clinic is held in the Tevir Centre at Hospice IOM.
Clinic opening times are Tuesday to Thursday 09.00 to 16.30hrs.
To contact the lymphoedema team please telephone +44 (0)1624 647456 or email admin@hospice.org.im
Download more information and the referral form below.
Drop in Clinic
We also hold a drop in clinic on a Wednesday from 2pm-3pm for current patients on our case load and for patients that have been discharged from the service.
Download more information below.
