Lymphoedema clinic has established links with fitness centres across Meath

A NEW specialist lymphoedema clinic for county Meath has opened in Summerhill Primary Care Centre providing high quality, comprehensive services for all lymphoedema and lipoedema patients.

Lymphoedema is a chronic, progressive condition resulting from failure of the lymphatic system to drain fluid and proteins from tissue throughout the body and return it to the circulatory system. Lymphoedema is progressive, and if not treated, will become more complex. Lipoedema is a long-term condition where there's an abnormal build-up of fat cells in the legs, thighs and buttocks, and sometimes in the arms.

The proposed ‘hub’ and ‘spoke’ model of care at the new clinic will ensure that non-complex lymphoedema/lipoedema cases are maintained in the community with an emphasis on self-care and support. Complex patients will be seen by lymphoedema therapists in the Specialist Lymphoedema Clinic based in Summerhill primary care centre within reach to appropriate acute services.

The clinic will provide assessment, specialised treatment and pathways to multi-disciplinary teams in acute and primary care settings. Movement and exercise, particularly in water, is important in the management of lymphoedema. As such, the team have established links with fitness centres across Meath including Aura Trim & Navan, Knightsbrook Hotel & Golf Resort, Johnstown Estate Hotel & Leisure and Pillo Hotel Ashbourne.

Officially opening the new clinic, Chief Officer of Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare Organisation Des O’Flynn said: “This is a very exciting and worthwhile initiative for the provision of health services in County Meath and the wider Community Healthcare Organisation and indeed nationally. The model of Care for Lymphoedema management was approved by the HSE in 2019.

"As a first step in implementing the model of care, a proof of concept Specialist Lymphoedema Clinic was approved by the Primary Care commissioning oversight team. Meath has been successful in receiving funding and this proof of concept Specialist Lymphoedema Clinic has been established to provide high quality, comprehensive services for all Lymphoedema patients in the county..”

Kay Morris HSE Project Manager Lymphoedema Services said: “The introduction of a Specialist Lymphoedema Clinic with three Lymphoedema Therapists and one assistant will provide high quality Lymphoedema services for all types of lymphoedema and lipoedema for the population in Meath. There will be integrated pathways between acute and primary care and links to support services. This will ensure that patients are diagnosed early and referred for treatment to limit disease progression and reduce the need for time consuming and costly intensive treatment. Although Lymphoedema is not curable, it can be successfully managed with an emphasis on education, awareness, prevention, early detection and up to date, effective consistent treatment which will lead to improved outcomes for patients.”