Lymphoedema Service
Trinity’s Lymphoedema Service was initially formed in 1993 and is just one of the specialist services that Trinity Hospice has to offer.
In 2001, funding provided by the PCT allowed for the door to be opened to expand the existing service from part time to full time.
The past 8 years has brought about much change in the service. We have grown from a small acorn to a young oak tree. I am sure that there is room for further growth and development as the service continues to expand to meet the demands that will come with the increased awareness and recognition of Lymphoedema that we are seeing today.
The service is managed by a dedicated team of four:
- Adelle Simone - Lymphoedema Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Helen Sole - Lymphoedema Sister
- Tracey Wilson - Lymphoedema Sister
- Joanne Hill - Lymphoedema Keyworker
We are qualified nurses with a varied history of nursing experience and all have gained recognised qualifications in the management of Lymphoedema. I speak for us all when I say that we strive to offer a friendly but professional service that is both supportive and informative. We always endeavour to deliver a high standard of care to all our patients with Lymphoedema.
As specialist nurses in the field of Lymphoedema we provide a service for patients offering support, advice and treatments to enable optimum improvement and long term control of this debilitating condition.
What is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is a long term condition that can be both distressing and debilitating. It occurs as a result of a failure in the lymphatic system. A swelling will be evident due to an accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues. Lymphoedema is more commonly associated with arms and legs but it can occur in any part of the body.
There are two types of Lymphoedema
Primary Lymphoedema - This type occurs as a result of a failure or absence of the lymphatics. This type of Lymphoedema is often hereditary.
Secondary Lymphoedema - This type can occur as a result of cancer or its related treatments. It can also occur as a result of infection or injury and is not necessarily related to cancer.
Here at Trinity, regardless of our Hospice status, our doors are open to both types of Lymphoedema, cancer and non-cancer.
We also have a Lymphoedema Support Group that meets three times per year. This is facilitated by two of our team members, Tracey and Joanne. The group is an informal one that allows people the opportunity to share any experiences, advice and personal tips that they may have with regard to Lymphoedema. Our members are all living with Lymphoedema.
We provide a service to anyone with Lymphoedema who resides in the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre area. The service can be accessed via referral from your G.P, Consultant or Nurse Specialist and is entirely free of charge.