What is lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is the accumulation of fluid resulting in swelling in the body. It usually affects the limbs, but it can also involve the trunk, breast, head and neck or genital area. Lymphoedema can occur for a variety of other reasons, and it is a common side-effect of cancer treatment.
If you are living with or at risk of lymphoedema, we can help.
The YourCH Lymphoedema Clinic is located at our Preston (PANCH) health centre. The clinic operates on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with the assessment clinic being held on Thursday mornings.
If you think you may have lymphoedema ask your GP to send a referral to our clinic for assessment. We see people of all ages and all types of lymphoedema.
Are you a person living with and/or having treatment for cancer?
Are you at risk of developing lymphoedema? Ask your health professional to refer you to our clinic for an ‘at risk’ assessment where you can learn about reducing your risk of developing lymphoedema and how to recognise the early signs of lymphoedema.
Lipoedema
Lipoedema is a chronic condition involving an abnormal build-up of fat. It typically affects thighs, buttocks and lower legs but can sometimes be seen on the arms. The Lymphoedema Clinic can assess and assist in management of lipoedema. You will need a referral from a doctor to attend our clinic.
If you have previously been seen at the Mercy Health lymphoedema clinic:
You still need a doctor’s referral. You will also need to contact us to request a form so that we may access your lymphoedema notes from Mercy Health before you attend here.
You can email the team on [email protected]
You will also need to email us to request a form so that we may access your lymphoedema notes from Mercy Health before you attend here. Please phone the lymphoedema service if you do not have access to email on 8470 1111 (Tues/Thurs/Fri).
Referral Guidelines:
We require a medical referral including:
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The clinic opened on 1 June 2020. It replaces the Lymphoedema Clinic that was based at Mercy Health at their Heidelberg and Werribee locations.