Did you know over 429,000 people in the UK have Lymphoedema? Lymphoedema is a chronic condition where persistent swelling results from a failure of the lymphatic system so excess fluid is retained in body tissue. The causes of this condition include: surgery, cancer, infection and or it may be hereditary. 

Lymphoedema Nurses

Hospice at Home West Cumbria has specialist Lymphoedema Care Service which provides assessment, delivers appropriate treatments and supports and advises patients, their families and carers in West Cumbria.

Christina Nicholson, Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist said: “Lymphoedema can affect any area of the body, most commonly affecting the limbs. It can impact on a person’s body image, self-esteem and cause not only physical, but emotional distress as well.”

In 2018 we provided specialist Lymphoedema management for 275 patients.

We are the only provider of this service in our area. Referrals to our Lymphoedema service come from healthcare professionals including GPs, Clinical Nurse Specialists in Palliative Care, Community Nurses.

“The service we provide delivers hands-on care. We know that treatment provides much needed and welcome relief to our patients, improving their quality of life. Our clinics are held in West Cumberland Hospital and our Therapy, Resource and Information Centre at 10 Finkle Street, Workington. We also arrange home visits where necessary.”

National Commissioning Guide Launch

Lymphoedema Awareness Week will see the launch of The National Lymphoedema Partnership ‘Commissioning Guidance for Lymphoedema Services for adults in the UK’ at a parliamentary reception hosted by Tonia Antoniazzi MP on the 5th March, all MP’s have been invited to attend. The document is intended to educate, inform and support those responsible for commissioning lymphoedema services with the aim of ensuring all patients can access appropriate care and support.

British Lymphology Society #Sockit Challenge

Once again the team at Hospice at Home West Cumbria will be taking part in the #Sockit Challenge started by British Lymphoedema Society to raise awareness about Lymphoedema. The odd sock represents the compression garments which are used as one ways of treating Lymphoedema. The campaign asks people to take photos of themselves wearing odd socks, share the image on social media and challenge another 5 people to do the same using the tags #HHWC #LymphoedemaAwareness, #Sockit.

Look out for our pictures during the week….