A letter from the editor.
As a Lymphoedema Specialist Physiotherapist for the NHS in Central London, Tamara Kosevic has seen large volumes of compression aid disposed of -- oftentimes, never worn or still in their packaging -- simply because patients needed a better fit or the garments had expired. In developing countries, each costs far more than many patients can afford, and largely not even available for purchase, leaving few valid options for those lucky enough to have been diagnosed. Education, best practices, and equipment is needed. In 2013, Tamara began bring the best home, launder them, then pack them safely away for her next trip to clinics and conferences in Southeastern Europe.
I was by coincidence that I met her, lugging a bag past my flat on a rainy day. I gave her a hand, and so her story was told. I was drawn by her idea and how easy it would be to give it wings.
Together, we launched LIHDA. My marketing experience was the support needed to empower Tamara's brilliance as a Lymphoedema Clinical Lead, her leverage on the world stage, her quickly expanding network of associates, and her contagious excitement as the spokesperson for such a worthwhile cause. Very quickly the success of our efforts gathered momentum and through the endorsement of the BLS, practitioner’s across the UK joined LIHDA's collection drive. We are so proud that all of you did.
Between 2016 and 2020, LIHDA delivered close to 100,000 compression garments to nine developing countries. With the onset of Covid-19, the danger of cross-contamination led us to stop shipments, but did not slow down impacting country-specific healthcare policy, revision of educational programs and international conference presentations and clinical seminars.
Thank you.
Ursula Jugel, LIHDA Co-Founder and Communications Director
Living with Lymphoedema...
LYMPHOEDEMA IS A PROGRESSIVE, CHRONIC AND INCURABLE SECONDARY DISEASE PREVALENT IN PATIENTS RECOVERING FROM CANCER AND OTHER DISEASES. THE SYMPTOMS LEAVE PATIENTS PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY AND SOCIALLY CHALLENGED.
IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, A LACK OF EQUIPMENT, PROCESS AND SPECIALISED STAFF MEANS LYMPHOEDEMA IS RARELY IDENTIFIED BY HEALTHCARE SERVICES, DESPITE AN INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE STRAINING ALREADY VULNERABLE RESOURCES AND SERVICES, LEAVING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS POWERLESS TO HELP. CONSULTANTS, HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, PATIENTS, AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE SEEKING ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS, MOST OFTEN FROM .
LIHDA FOCUSES ON REACHING GROUPS OF PATIENTS IN NEED AROUND THE WORLD, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH LOW INCOMES OR WHICH ARE SOCIALLY STIGMATISED. THROUGH WORKSHOPS AND CONSULTATIONS WITH HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND ORGANISATIONS WE HAVE OVERCOME GREAT CHALLENGES AND HAVE BEEN REWARDED WITH TREMENDOUS RESULTS, LIKE FEWER RETURNING PATIENTS, SHIFT IN SPEND TO LYMPHOEDEMA PROGRAMS, AND A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PATIENTS AND PRACTITIONERS.
IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, A LACK OF EQUIPMENT, PROCESS AND SPECIALISED STAFF MEANS LYMPHOEDEMA IS RARELY IDENTIFIED BY HEALTHCARE SERVICES, DESPITE AN INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE STRAINING ALREADY VULNERABLE RESOURCES AND SERVICES, LEAVING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS POWERLESS TO HELP. CONSULTANTS, HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, PATIENTS, AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE SEEKING ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS, MOST OFTEN FROM .
LIHDA FOCUSES ON REACHING GROUPS OF PATIENTS IN NEED AROUND THE WORLD, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH LOW INCOMES OR WHICH ARE SOCIALLY STIGMATISED. THROUGH WORKSHOPS AND CONSULTATIONS WITH HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND ORGANISATIONS WE HAVE OVERCOME GREAT CHALLENGES AND HAVE BEEN REWARDED WITH TREMENDOUS RESULTS, LIKE FEWER RETURNING PATIENTS, SHIFT IN SPEND TO LYMPHOEDEMA PROGRAMS, AND A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PATIENTS AND PRACTITIONERS.
Meet Tamara.
IN THE NEWS.
We're updating.
Thanks for understanding...
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ILS
IndiaLIHDA has been appointed by ILF to translate Lymphoedema Education Benchmark Statements for South Eastern Europe. By facilitating access to essential educational materials, progressive literature, and clinical research, we make it possible for students and practitioners to adopt progressive practices and effective treatment methodologies.
"Hi. Just wanted to let you know that the first lot of compression garments are going to Ghana next month. Just lower limbs one to a prosthetic center. I’ve just come back from there. Your greeting cards are with them! Thanks.” - Heather Angilley, PhysioNet UK |
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SOME OF OUR PARTNERS.
International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF)
British Lymphology Society, UK
Lymphoedema Services across UK
Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (ADAPT), UK
PhysioNet, UK
Lymed, Finland
Therapies Unite, Mexico
Hospital Nacional Dos Del Mayo, Peru
PhysioNet, Ghana
LE& RN, India
Medical Centre "Thalassotherapia", Croatia
Institute "Dr Miroslav Zotovic", Republic of Srpska
BELhospice, Serbia
NALOR, Serbia
CML Advocate Network, Macedonia
Chamber of Physiotherapist of Montenegro
Association of Physiotherapist of Serbia
Croatian Council of Physiotherapists
Macedonian Society of Physiotherapists
Association of Physiotherapist in Bosnia and Herzegovina
British Lymphology Society, UK
Lymphoedema Services across UK
Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (ADAPT), UK
PhysioNet, UK
Lymed, Finland
Therapies Unite, Mexico
Hospital Nacional Dos Del Mayo, Peru
PhysioNet, Ghana
LE& RN, India
Medical Centre "Thalassotherapia", Croatia
Institute "Dr Miroslav Zotovic", Republic of Srpska
BELhospice, Serbia
NALOR, Serbia
CML Advocate Network, Macedonia
Chamber of Physiotherapist of Montenegro
Association of Physiotherapist of Serbia
Croatian Council of Physiotherapists
Macedonian Society of Physiotherapists
Association of Physiotherapist in Bosnia and Herzegovina
