Fiona Stevenson Provides A Personal Feedback on the Changing Face of Lymphoedema Services

"In 2008 when I was first diagnosed with lymphoedema I was referred to a hospice. A volunteer driver collected me.  They saw the fear on my face and reassured me that I would be ok and the hospice did far more than palliative care.

 
 
 
 
 
I was measured across my torso and my arms were measured too.  I was given manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) at this appointment too 
 
I was reviewed several times a year, if anything changed in my torso or arms I was given new compression garments off the shelf at the hospice.
 
In the last two years the service has been cut.  There is no off the shelf service for compression garments. MLD is no longer offered.
 
I am not seen regularly I have to ring to get an appointment. MLD is no longer offered at the hospice. 
 
Prescriptions are sent to my GP and I get a letter and copy in the post.
 
My GP practice file these letters with prescriptions instead of issuing them.  This means I have to telephone the surgery to get them to issue the prescription for compression garments. 
 
There is difficulty getting through to the GP surgery too on the telephone.
 
This means it can take six to ten weeks to get the compression garments required.
 
I am sure I am not the only patient with these issues".
 
 
 
Fiona Stevenson