"GP and Lymphodema clinic"

My mum has suffered with Lymphodema for many years. Despite several visits to the GP it was never diagnosed nor any treatment offered until she saw Dr Tyrrel who referred her to the Lymphodema clinic at Kings Mill Hospital.

At last she had some hope that she might get help as all this time her mobility has been deteriorated and hence her quality of life. It took several months for the first appointment.

The nurse specialist and the doctor were excellent in giving my mum clear information about the treatments available and which would most likely suit her. However she had to wait several more months to be seen again to be told that there is a 1 year waiting list for the bandaging treatment required. She was offered a compression sleeve in the meantime but would have to wait a further 3 months for an appointment to be given instructions on how to use the sleeves. The nurse was excellent and clearly works above and beyond to deliver the best care she can to her patients. She promised to look out for a cancellation. A cancellation appointment did come up recently but the first my mum knew about it was receiving a call from the clinic to say she had missed the appointment. You can imagine my mums disappointment. She received the letter the next day.

My mum is in a lot of pain she has suffered several falls and is losing confidence in going out. Consequently I am worried now that she is becoming depressed. She never likes to trouble anyone and always try to be strong but I think she thinks nobody cares and have given up on her. I am worried that she may not be offered another cancellation as it looks like she missed the last one. Can I ask that she will still be considered to be seen as early as possible and can the following be considered in terms of service improvement

1. use the mobile appointment system for notification or telephone patients when appointment is free in less than a week

2. can the initial assessment appointment be extended by 5-10 mins to include treatment option so that the next appointment can be for that to be fitted. This would cut down the wait for treatment and reduce unnecessary appointments

1. is there anything family members can do to raise the issue of lack of resources for Lymphodema in nottinghamshire?

many thanks