St Giles Hospice is expanding the services it provides for children suffering from a debilitating and sometimes painful condition.

The hospice, which cares for local people living with cancer and other serious illnesses, has a dedicated Lymphoedema Clinic, and is about to provide the first dedicated children’s service in the country.

Lymphoedema develops when the lymphatic drainage system is unable to work properly, resulting in a build up of lymph fluid and protein in the tissues. This leads to swelling, most commonly in the arms or legs.

It is often follows injury, infection, surgery, cancer or radiotherapy although in children it can occur because they are born without enough lymphatics.

But by using massage techniques and garments developed to remove excess fluid from the swollen areas, specialist nurses can help both children and adults with the condition gain quality of life.

Sister in Charge of the clinic, Helen Young, said: “In the past year our referrals of children with lymphoedema have increased from just seven to twenty.

“The condition was only recognised in the UK about 20 years ago and expertise is growing every day in terms of doctors diagnosing the condition and referring patients to specialist clinics, and in the ways that it can be treated.

“We don’t know exactly how many children out there have the condition, but a conservative estimate is more than one in 100,000.

“Our clinic at St Giles is at the forefront of providing care for these children and their families – they will have this condition throughout life and a big part of what we do is to offer them a better quality of life.

“One small example is that children had to wear ugly burns garments to reduce the swelling, but we can provide them with specially made hosiery, in a variety of colours.

“We are also setting up an after-school service, which will give youngsters the chance to fit the care they need into an otherwise normal daily routine.”

St Giles Hospice’s Lymphoedema Clinic opened in 1993, and is now internationally renowned as a centre of excellence in the field.

It provides both physical and psychological support to patients and their families.

The service also offers a special support group providing psychological support to women with lymphoedema secondary to breast cancer.

The clinic deals with more than 4,000 patient appointments every year and the service's reputation means it attracts nearly 300 placements from health professionals worldwide.

St Giles Hospice is one of the best-known and most respected charities in the region, offering high-quality nursing and medical care for people with cancer and other serious illness, as well as providing support for their families and carers.

Patients come from across the hospice’s catchment area, which ranges from Ashby de la Zouch in the east, to Cannock and Walsall in the west – and from Burton and Uttoxeter in the north, to Sutton Coldfield and Coleshill in the south.

Care is offered either at the hospice in Whittington, between Lichfield and Tamworth, or in patients’ own homes across the region.

St Giles spends over £5million every year providing its specialist services. With just a third of this funded by the Government, the registered charity relies heavily on donations and fundraising.