WIREDGOV

The Tenovus lymphoedema mobile unit is the only fully-operational facility of its kind in Europe, providing chemotherapy and care for people with lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema is a long-term condition, which causes swelling in the body's tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs. It is caused by damage to the lymphatic system, which can be genetic or the result of infection, injury or cancer treatment.

Launched in November 2013 and equipped with state-of-the-art treatment facilities and counselling rooms, the mobile unit provides care for people in every health board area of Wales, in community settings.

Research by the charity Tenovus has found that people prefer having appointments on the mobile unit than at a conventional clinic - it scores particularly highly in relation to time-saving and convenience.

At a visit to the unit today, Professor Drakeford said:

“It gives me great pride to say that Wales has a lymphoedema service which is leading the way in the UK and in Europe. We want to continue to improve the support available to people suffering with cancer and lymphoedema in Wales by bringing vital services directly to them.

“This mobile unit was developed to provide chemotherapy and lymphoedema treatments and care as well as associated psychosocial support to patients in a local setting, reducing journey times and providing a welcoming and familiar environment for patients and their families.

“Cancer is about more than waiting times. It is about people and their care. In last year’s Welsh cancer patient experience survey, I was delighted to see that so many people rated their care so highly.

“We published our third cancer annual report in January, which showed real improvements have been made in cancer care in Wales over the past year and serves as a tribute to all those involved in the planning and delivery of that care.”