Two-year wait for vital lymphoedema treatment at Cork University Hospital 

Breast cancer patients are waiting up to two years to be treated in Cork University Hospital for lymphoedema, a chronic swelling caused by fluid build-up.

Lymphoedema is a lifelong condition, which means that patients remain under ongoing review and management.

This results in “a considerable and constantly growing caseload”, a HSE spokesperson told The Echo.

There are currently 256 patients who are receiving treatment for lymphoedema at CUH.

Lymphoedema intervention for patients with breast cancer at CUH is provided by either physiotherapy or occupational therapy.

On referral, patients are prioritised by need and referred to either discipline.

Cases prioritised include where there is increased pain or distress, paediatric cases, patients with a history of infection with an increase in lymphoedema, palliative cases where treatment would alleviate symptoms, patients whose symptoms have progressed, and where the clinical team reports an impact on daily living.

Waiting

The HSE spokesperson said that currently, there are 48 breast cancer patients waiting for lymphoedema intervention with the physiotherapy team.

Waiting time depends on the assessed urgency. The most urgent cases are seen within two weeks, but the longest wait is 16 months.

There are a further 43 breast cancer patients on the waiting list for lymphoedema intervention with the occupational therapy team, the longest wait being two years.

“HSE South West acknowledges that for some patients, waiting times can be long,” the spokesperson said.

“Recruitment is ongoing for the lymphoedema therapists required for the service.”

Independent Ireland leader and Cork South West TD Michael Collins raised the issue in the Dáil recently, saying: “When a woman undergoes a mastectomy she is already dealing with trauma, her fear, and the loss of a part of her body — but many women then face post-mastectomy lymphoedema, which is a painful, chronic swelling.

“It affects mobility daily as well as activity, appearance, confidence, and even a woman’s ability to stay connected socially.

“Through no fault of their own, many women feel embarrassed and isolated.”

“A constituent of ours has already waited over a year and is now being told it could be another six months before she gets an appointment. Her consultant has repeatedly sought help for her, but still she waits.

“These women have already been through enough and should not have to battle waiting lists on top of everything else.”