Services

Support Services - C.A.M.E.L - Lymphoedema Support Group

I would like to give you an insight to a friendly self help group for Lymphoedema which meets every six weeks in Shornells Conservatory based at The Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice.

We were founded in the year 2000 and needed to choose a name for the group. This was devised by one of our primary lymphoedema patients. She looked at several animals and realised that the camel showed relevance to this condition, (Care and Massage Eases Lymphoedema), so the name C.A.M.E.L was chosen.

The Group supports patient's with Primary and Secondary Lymphoedema. Primary Lymphoedema is a genetic condition whereby the cause is unknown. Secondary Lymphoedema affects parts of the body as a result of damage to the lymph nodes secondary to cancer or cancer surgery, trauma, infection or specific surgery. The general effects of this condition cause swollen body parts.

The aims and the objectives are of importance to the Support Group and we give support to sufferers by advising them on non-clinical matters, encouraging sufferers to understand their condition by giving them information, which is headed by a Committee and support of the MacMillan Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist, Diane Cheevers and Support Nurse Andrea Little .

We encourage patients to achieve the four cornerstones of Lymphoedema Management:
•  simple lymphatic draining

•  exercise

•  skin care

•  compression hosiery

We invite guest speakers whenever possible to the meetings in order to gain more information on a variety of subjects.  These talks are very beneficial and much knowledge is gained. Members of the group have been invited to other hospices and hospitals to promote the need of support groups generally.

We offer members and patients of C.A.M.E.L mutual support and help provide extra equipment and financial aid for the Nurse Specialists by fund raising with fun nights i.e. Quiz Nights, Race Nights and Discos.   We also have raffles and tea at the meetings, and a really good natter, as well as making new friends.

For more information please contact the Hospice on direct dial 020-8320 5820.

We look forward to welcoming you!