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20/03/2003
Review into lymphoedema services set up
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Henrietta Campbell has announced the first ever working group to review lymphoedema services in Northern Ireland.
The working group has been established to make recommendations to improve the future provision of services.
Dr Angela Garvey, a Consultant in Palliative Care Medicine at Altnagelvin Hospital, said: “This is a most important review and offers hope of better services to people with lymphoedema. Not many people know what lymphoedema is and do not understand the depth of pain, discomfort and embarrassment caused by a severely swollen arm, leg, neck or face."
Lymphoedema can be caused by a congenital absence or abnormality in lymphatic tissue but it more commonly arises after cancer surgery or radiotherapy where the lymphatic system has been infected or obstructed.
Dr Garvey added: “I am pleased to be leading this review which comprises members from all the relevant health professions. Moreover, I am delighted that some people with lymphoedema have agreed to be members because their first hand experience will give us a clearer insight into how we need to develop lymphoedema services.”
One of the members, Mrs Olive McCann, Secretary of the Northern Ireland Lymphoedema Support Network, expressed hope that the outcome of the review would heighten awareness of lymphoedema amongst health professionals.
“Lymphoedema is a chronic condition for which there is no cure, but with the correct on-going treatment by a fully certified therapist and with the full co-operation of the patient, it can most certainly be kept under control,” she said.
Dr Garvey indicated that she would welcome views from patients, carers, health professionals or the public on how to take this work forward. Anyone wishing to do so is requested to send their comments by 30 May 2003 to the Department of Health and Social Services, Hospital Services Development Unit, Room 6, Annexe 1, Castle Buildings, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SQ or by email to rosemary scott
The Review group is expected to make recommendations on the future development of lymphoedema services to the Department by Autumn 2003.
(GMcG)
The working group has been established to make recommendations to improve the future provision of services.
Dr Angela Garvey, a Consultant in Palliative Care Medicine at Altnagelvin Hospital, said: “This is a most important review and offers hope of better services to people with lymphoedema. Not many people know what lymphoedema is and do not understand the depth of pain, discomfort and embarrassment caused by a severely swollen arm, leg, neck or face."
Lymphoedema can be caused by a congenital absence or abnormality in lymphatic tissue but it more commonly arises after cancer surgery or radiotherapy where the lymphatic system has been infected or obstructed.
Dr Garvey added: “I am pleased to be leading this review which comprises members from all the relevant health professions. Moreover, I am delighted that some people with lymphoedema have agreed to be members because their first hand experience will give us a clearer insight into how we need to develop lymphoedema services.”
One of the members, Mrs Olive McCann, Secretary of the Northern Ireland Lymphoedema Support Network, expressed hope that the outcome of the review would heighten awareness of lymphoedema amongst health professionals.
“Lymphoedema is a chronic condition for which there is no cure, but with the correct on-going treatment by a fully certified therapist and with the full co-operation of the patient, it can most certainly be kept under control,” she said.
Dr Garvey indicated that she would welcome views from patients, carers, health professionals or the public on how to take this work forward. Anyone wishing to do so is requested to send their comments by 30 May 2003 to the Department of Health and Social Services, Hospital Services Development Unit, Room 6, Annexe 1, Castle Buildings, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SQ or by email to rosemary scott
The Review group is expected to make recommendations on the future development of lymphoedema services to the Department by Autumn 2003.
(GMcG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with longer spells of rain during the morning, this rain heavy at times. Generally brighter in the afternoon, but with scattered and at times heavy showers. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A mainly dry evening and night with isolated showers dying out and some longer clear spells. Then it will cloud over towards morning with some heavy showers. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
