Lymphoedema service (Richmond)

Graphic of Lymphoedema patients and the Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust logoLymphoedema is a lifelong condition for which there is no cure.  It is a swelling of body tissue caused by failure of the lymphatic system. 

It can be primary – due to congenital insufficiency of the lymphatic vessels; or secondary – when it may arise as a result of cancer or its treatment. It is debilitating, uncomfortable and in some cases painful. 

This condition has a profound effect on quality of life for individuals and their families.  It is a chronic condition and the patient needs regular check-ups (and possibly further intensive treatment) for the rest of their life. 

Untreated lymphoedema causes considerable morbidity and requires regular district nursing attention for weeping legs (lymphorrhoea) and associated leg ulcers and it often results in hospital admissions with recurrent cellulitis.  

The Lymphoedema service aims to:

  • Offer a comprehensive Lyphoedema Specialist Practitioner led service for patients with Lymphoedema and Chronic oedema registered with a Richmond GP.
  • Provide a comprehensive community based service for patients with Lymphoedema; with access to appropriate treatment nearer to their homes, hence avoiding hospital treatments and improving the patient’s quality of life.
  • Provide the highest quality treatment, advisory and support service to patients with chronic oedema, in order to prevent or delay complications of chronic oedema and prepare the patient for long-term independence.
  • Maintain a close working relationship with GPs and other primary care staff.  It will be a resource to promote the management of oedema, providing specialist advice and education to health care professionals commonly encountering this condition.

Tel:
020 8714 4085 / 4086

Email:
hounslowandrichmond.spa@nhs.net

Address:
Specialist Nursing Services
Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust
Teddington Memorial Hospital
Hampton Road
Teddington
Middlesex
TW11 0JL

  • Grace Osae, Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist
  • Samia Khan, Lymphoedema Healthcare Assistant
  • Natalia Duarte, Lymphoedema Specialist Practitioner
  • Amrit Mangat, Lead Administrator
  • Elizabeth Foster, Administrator
  • Jessica Lebert, Administrator
  • Ita White, Administrator  

Referrals should be made using the service referral form.

Referral forms should be returned by email to hounslowandrichmond.spa@nhs.net

Who can refer?

Referrals to the Lymphoedema service can be made by:

  • Health care professionals
  • Allied health professionals

Indications for referral:

  • Patients with chronic oedema/Lymphoedema with Lymphorrhoea (leaky legs)
  • Patients with a history of repeated celllulitis related to oedema
  • Secondary Lymphoedema/chronic oedema; swelling that has been present for longer than 3 months not reducing on elevation and who must already be known to the Adult Community Nursing Service
  • Lymphoedema secondary to cancer
  • Primary Lymphoedema

Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm