Introduction to the Lymphoedema Service: Video and telephone consultation

This page explains what you can expect after you have been referred to the Lymphoedema Service at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) for a video or telephone appointment. If you have any questions about your appointment or information on this page, speak to the team caring for you.

What is lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is a swelling which can affect any part of the body. It develops when part of the lymphatic system is damaged, affecting its ability to work properly. Lymphoedema cannot be cured, but it can be improved and controlled.

Not all swelling is lymphoedema. Usually the swelling is present for three months or more before lymphoedema is considered or diagnosed. However, your nurse or doctor may refer you to the Lymphoedema Service earlier than this.

Who are the lymphoedema team?

The lymphoedema team consists of qualified healthcare professionals who specialise
in the assessment, treatment and management of lymphoedema.

Please note that we can only see patients who have suspected or confirmed lymphoedema as a result of cancer or cancer treatment.

What happens once I have been offered a video or telephone appointment?

You will receive an appointment letter, confirming the date and time of your appointment.

If you are having a video appointment, your appointment letter will explain what to do. If you don’t have a copy, or have any questions about your video appointment, please contact us.

What do I need to prepare for my appointment?

• A list of your medicines. We will ask you about your medical history.
• Compression garments, if they have already been prescribed.

You are also welcome to ask someone to join you for your video or telephone appointment.

What will happen at the first appointment?

Your first appointment will take about one hour.

During the appointment, we will ask you some questions to find out the causes of the swelling. We will discuss your lymphoedema in more detail and develop a care plan with you.

What happens after the appointment?

We will write to you and your GP about your care plan. Depending on what you need, we may offer you a further appointment or refer you to a clinic local to you.

Interpreting service

We can arrange interpreting services for both video and telephone consultations if you speak little or no English, are deaf, hard of hearing, or need communication support.

Telephone interpreting offers 170 languages and dialects. If it is not suitable, we can arrange an interpreter, British Sign Language (BSL) or DeafBlind Communicator to join the video consultation.

Contact us

Telephone/answerphone: 020 3447 3925

Email: uclh.lymphoedema.service@nhs.net

We are available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays). We will aim to contact you back as soon as we can, usually the same or the next working day.

Call your GP or NHS 111 if:

• you need urgent medical assessment
• there is a sudden increase in swelling
• you notice any signs of infection in the swollen area, such as redness, heat and pain or discomfort.