A PORT Macquarie lymphoedema support group has been acknowledged in State Parliament for its ongoing work in helping local patients with lymphoedema.
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams explaned to her fellow MPs that lymphoedema was the swelling of one or more regions in the body as the result of an accumulation of excess fluid.
“It is caused by a failure of the lymphatic system, which, if working normally, would transport that fluid from the body tissues back into the bloodstream,” Mrs Williams said.
“When the lymphatic system fails it basically means that the lymphatic drainage exceeds the capacity of the lymphatic circulation. Lymphoedema often occurs in cancer patients as a result of treatments such as radiotherapy or the removal of lymph glands.
“I have spoken in this House many times about the important role that support groups play and the area of lymphoedema is no different.
“Like the lymphoedema support groups on the Mid North Coast, there are probably dozens of such groups across the state that play an important role in supporting not only patients but their carers.
“I particularly acknowledge Heidi Hughes, who is the local lymphoedema therapist in Port Macquarie. She works out of the North Coast Cancer Institute at Port Macquarie Base Hospital and she heads the lymphoedema support group.”
Mrs Williams said the group had about 40 members that met regularly at the cancer centre.
“I guess that reflects the prevalence of this disease. However, it demonstrates why there is a need for support groups across the state,” she said.
“Patients, who may have primary or secondary lymphoedema, come together, and the support group provides not only education and awareness but also, importantly, support.
“The Mid North Coast lymphoedema support group also provides referrals for counselling for patients and so on.
“I congratulate the group and all other support groups and commend them for the great work they do.”
