A NEW service has been launched across north-east Essex that aims to offer an improved service to the thousands of people who suffer with lymphoedema.

It is being provided by community healthcare provider, Anglian Community Enterprise (ACE).

Lymphoedema can occur when the lymphatic system is damaged and can cause swelling anywhere in the body, but most commonly in the arms and legs.

In the past, patients have been treated by one of two services run at the Oaks Hospital and at St Helena Hospice, both in Colchester, and at the hospice’s day centre in Clacton.

The ACE Lymphoedema Service, launched last week, will offer patients a fully inclusive, seamless service and individualised care plans.

Sara Percival, ACE lymphoedema service lead, said: “We are very excited to be launching this new service.

“I, and my colleagues – Gael Lennox, Jennie Doran and Elizabeth Barrowclough – have all worked locally in lymphoedema care for many years, so we will be familiar faces to many, but this is an opportunity to bring the two previously separately- run services together.”

Some people are born with lymphoedema, while others develop it following surgery or other traumatic incidents.

A clinic will now be run at the Jubilee Centre at Clacton Hospital, as well as the St Edmund’s Centre in Tamarisk Way, Colchester, from Monday to Friday. It is hoped weekend and evening appointments will be available in the future, as well as other locations.

People have to be referred to the service in the first instance by a health professional.

However, individuals who have been previously diagnosed with the condition might want to call Linda McFadden, secretary of the North Essex Lymphoedema Support Group, on 01206 241338 formore information.