October 19th 2019
NLFI hosted a very successful education day on 19th October 2019 in the Minella Hotel, Clonmel, Co Tipperary. 9 children with lymphoedema and 34 adults with lymphoedema attended on the day, and together with family members, carers, some health care professionals there was a total number of around 80 participants on the day. The event was generously supported by our partners in industry with excellent involvement from a variety of companies on the day. Royale, Fannin, Healthcare 21, Neiman Trading and 3M attended with informative and assorted displays of products to discuss with the attendees. Haddenhams donated a supply of “The Big Book of Lymphoedema”, for presentation to the children. Unfortunately, due to illness, Jobskin was unable to attend.
The format of the day involved an initial plenary session which included children and adults, followed by parallel sessions, one for children, the other for adults. The programme for each session consisted of educational presentations, demonstrations of bandaging and physical activity to provide the attendees with the skills to promote and facilitate independent management of their lymphoedema.
Dr Melanie Thomas, MBE DProf FCSP, National Clinical Lead for Lymphoedema in Wales, was invited as a guest speaker, however, was unable to attend due to ill health. Dr Mary Paula Colgan and Dr Mary Costello stepped in at very short notice, to competently and proficiently present in her place. Mary Paula presented “Lymphoedema, What’s new in the Literature “, and Mary presented on “ Compression Therapy” and, “The Assessment and Management of Cellulitis in Lymphoedema” , each of which was very well received.
Feedback forms were completed by the attendees. The feedback was very positive with participants reporting they were “very satisfied”, rates of 92% to 96 % , with the education elements of the day.
