Northern Ireland Improves Lymphoedema Health Services
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.”
Topics: 2010, Britain, chronic condition, Governance, government, Great Britain, Health Care, health service, healthcare, lifetime of treatment, lymphoedema, moniter, monitor, news, Northern Ireland, patients, social care, treatment, U.K., UK, United Kingdom
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