Special clinics for lymphoedema start at Powys hospitals

Llanidloes Hospital is one of the hospitals offering the new clinic

Clinics treating people suffering from a rare medical condition have been introduced at two Powys hospitals.

Lymphoedema is a swelling of the limbs and body due to the accumulation of lymph, a colourless fluid which forms in the body naturally.

Powys Teaching Health Board has started the clinics at Llanidloes and Builth Wells hospitals.

Lymphoedema is incurable, requires lifelong management and can affect people physically and psychologically.

Powys Teaching Health Board said it was estimated that at least 100,000 people in the UK were affected by the condition.

It said lymphoedema can be managed by a combination of different things including specialist massage and bandaging.

To access the service at Llanidloes and Builth Wells hospitals, patients will be referred by their GP or other health care professionals.