Lymphoedema

LymphoedemaBackground

Health care services are currently unsustainable with an over-reliance on historical, and often inappropriate, models of care. Action is needed to ensure resources used in primary and secondary care can prevent and decrease admissions to hospital, as well as promoting patient’s own self-care. Improvements to current lymphoedema services are necessary to ensure high quality care can be provided that is supported by a workforce for sustainable, primary and community based models of care. (Source: Designed to Improve Health and the Management of Chronic Conditions in Wales: Service Improvement Plan 2008-2011)
 
 

Policy Context

Lymphoedema is a chronic and incurable condition and requires lifelong management.  The Strategy for Lymphoedema in Wales sets out a series of key actions which cover the planning of services and various stages of the care pathway from assessment through to treatment.

How will Lymphoedema services be changing?

The aims are to:
  • Raise awareness of lymphoedema and how simple treatment strategies can improve patients’ quality of life.
  • Empower patients to maximise independence and minimise the risks associated with lymphoedema
  • Integrate, develop, reconfigure and more effectively plan and manage lymphoedema services throughout Wales
  • Improve access to lymphoedema services so patients receive the right treatment at the right time by the right professional in the right place
  • Take a preventative approach to patients at risk of developing lymphoedema to reduce the demand on other NHS services
  • Build on the strengths of the current tertiary and secondary care lymphoedema services bringing them closer with community, primary care and social services
  • Develop and build on current lymphoedema education enabling health care professionals to access local courses easily to implement in their own practice.
  • Identify the actions needed to implement lymphoedema services across Wales and improve service delivery.

Service Planning

Working collaboratively the Local Health Boards (LHBs) have established an all Wales Project Manager to lead and champion the implementation of the Lymphoedema Strategy. The post is funded by the 7 LHBs to coordinate and work alongside them in the planning and delivery of new and existing lymphoedema services.The LHBs are now developing delivery plans to map the necessary activity and milestones to achieve the key actions required.
 
 

Current Services

The British Lymphology Society (BLS) maintains a Directory of Lymphoedema Services including those available in Wales delivered through the NHS, charities and privately.

Resources

NHS Evidence provides access to clinical and non-clinical information - local, regional, national and international. Information includes evidence, guidance and Government policy.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is an independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on promoting good health and preventing and treating ill health

The NHS Clinical Knowledge Summaries (formerly PRODIGY) are a reliable source of evidence-based information and practical 'know how' about the common conditions managed in primary care.