Health Minister praises success of lymphoedema service

Recent improvements in lymphoedema services across Northern Ireland are down to patients and health and social care (HSC) working together.

The Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, was speaking as he visited members of the Lymphoedema Network at Belfast City Hospital.

The Network was set up in 2008 to deliver both improved access and standards of treatment for lymphoedema. Prior to its establishment, patients often had long waits for treatment and services did not exist in some areas.

All Trusts now have lymphoedema clinical leads and all patients are now assessed and begin treatment within nine weeks. As lymphoedema is a chronic condition, patients remain with the service throughout their lives. The Network currently cares for some 3,000 patients.

Praising the work of the Network, the Minister said: “The Lymphoedema Network is an excellent example of what can be achieved when the expertise of professionals and the experiences of patients are brought together to shape services. I am extremely impressed with the vision and commitment of everyone involved.

“I know that a few years ago, lymphoedema services were not meeting the needs of patients. Services across Northern Ireland were lacking and many patients had long waits. This has now been turned around by this dedicated Network. This is yet another example of how our first class health service is delivering for the people in Northern Ireland.

“Early diagnosis and access to treatment is vital, as although the condition is not curable, early intervention can massively improve quality of life and can on occasions, prevent the chronic condition occurring.

“Most patients will however require a lifetime of treatment, so referrals to the service will continue to grow.”

The Network has also worked to inform policy and has influenced both the cancer and cardiovascular frameworks. They also provide education and training to staff working with ‘at risk’ patients (i.e., cancer patients) and to the patients themselves.

The Minister continued: “There is no doubt that the Lymphoedema Network is shaping and delivering a much improved service to a growing number of people across Northern Ireland. I commend them on their success so far and wish them well for the future.”

Notes to editors:

1. Lymphoedema is a tissue swelling due to failure of lymph drainage. It is chronic and incurable and may occur in any part of the body. It is uncomfortable and affects a person’s quality of life.
2. Primary lymphoedema occurs due to a congenital abnormality (you can have it from birth) or absence of lymphatic tissue.
3. Secondary lymphoedema, which is more common, mainly occurs due to disruption of the lymphatic system arising from cancer or its treatments (surgery or radiotherapy), although it can also occur as a result of infection, severe injury, burns or other trauma, which may affect the lymphatic system eg cellulitis, DVT or chronic vascular conditions such as leg ulcers.
4. The Lymphoedema Network Northern Ireland (LNNI), a managed clinical network, was formed in February 2008 as a result of the recommendations of the DHSSPS document: Lymphoedema Services-report of the Lymphoedema Services Review Group 2004.
5. The remit of the network is to co-ordinate and shape regional service development in order to provide a high standard of accessible care throughout Northern Ireland as recommended by the CREST document: Guidelines for the diagnosis, assessment and Management of Lymphoedema 2008.
6. Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575, or out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.