Our Lymphoedema service cares for people with sudden or long-lasting swelling.
About this service
The Lymphoedema service provides:
- education
- compression bandaging
- garment prescription, and
- exercise.
Who we care for
Our Lymphoedema service is for people who are staying in hospital or who are coming to the Canberra Regional Cancer Centre for treatment.
You will need to be referred by a Canberra Health Services Doctor or Breast Care Nurse.
We offer these services for free if you have a Medicare card.
We also offer an ACT Lymphoedema Service at North Canberra Hospital if you don’t meet the criteria for this service.
How to access this service
Your Doctor or Breast Care Nurse will send a referral to the Physiotherapy Department and we will call you to organise an appointment.
If you want to check on your referral, please contact us Monday to Friday between 8am and 4.30pm:
- Phone: (02) 5124 2154
- Email: asphysiotherapy@act.gov.au
What to expect
Your Lymphoedema referral will be triaged by the Lymphoedema Physiotherapist.
During your hospital stay
Depending on the suddenness or severity of your swelling you will be seen during your hospital stay or given an appointment after you have left hospital.
Canberra Region Cancer Centre
Canberra Region Cancer Centre patients will be triaged and contacted within one to two weeks to make an appointment.
Your first appointment will take 1.5 to 2 hours.
When you arrive, you will need to check-in at the front desk.
During your appointment, you will be asked health questions, receive education about Lymphoedema, and you may have some measurements taken or non-invasive tests. We will discuss a treatment plan with you and book you in for further appointments.
Please wear loose or easily removed clothing to your appointment.
What to bring to your appointment
- Medicare card
- Any letters or correspondence from your GP
- Medicines you need to take while you are here
- List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
- Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
Where we’re located
Lymphoedema Physiotherapy, Building 15, Level 1, Canberra Hospital.
We have directions to Canberra Hospital.
Resources
Calvary Lymphoedema Service Website
Information for referrers
Referrals are accepted from Canberra Health Services Medical Practitioner or Breast Care Nurse.
Referral options:
- Email: ASPhysiotherapy@act.gov.au
- Phone: (02) 5124 2154
- Fax: (02) 5124 3692
- SmartForm.
