T he BLS is registered charity, the purpose of which is to preserve and protect good health of people living with lymphoedema / chronic oedema. Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic drainage system fails; chronic oedema is indicative of failure of lymphatic drainage. Both of these terms are used interchangeably to emphasise the need to manage both the initial cause of the chronic oedema and the lymphatic failure concurrently.
Members of this dynamic and innovative body share a passion for enhancement of understanding, knowledge and treatment of lymphoedema. Together, members have a strong professional voice, supporting the promotion of early detection, intervention and equitable access to services to reduce the prevalence, severity and impact of lymphoedema. The Society works with other stakeholders, advises government, NHS and other professional bodies to effect change and influence practice by:
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advancing education and knowledge in the field of lymphology and related subjects
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fostering interest in and co-ordinating a strategy for improving the management of chronic oedema, particularly lymphoedema
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maintaining a register of specialist centres in the United Kingdom and Ireland
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improving the knowledge, expertise and skills of health care professionals treating them
We are enthusiastic about wide dissemination of information and clinical guidance for any health or social care professional caring for people with chronic oedema, offering free access to helpful resources by registering as a ‘Friend of BLS’. If you are interested in becoming a ‘Friend’ or to support the Society in striving for better understanding and treatment for lymphoedema by becoming a member, please visit on our membership area.
Please note that the BLS is not a regulatory body. Any member offering lymphoedema treatment should also be a member of their own professional body, such as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), Nursing and Midwifery Council, General Medical Council or MLD UK (with appropriate indemnity insurance). However, the BLS Directory of Services offers members the opportunity to provide publicly available information on which treatments their service offers, training completed, together with the dates of training and updates undertaken.
Our Working Groups
To address specific short-term projects, BLS brings together working groups with agreed Terms of Reference, aims and a work plan. BLS members with a keen interest in contributing to the project may request to join the group.Our Scientific Commitee
The scientific committee includes doctors, therapists, academics and researchers all with a keen interest in research. It comprises full and honorary members.
Our Patrons
The British Lymphology Society (BLS) are delighted to have two very supportive patrons - Professor Peter Mortimer, Founder of the BLS & Trisha Goddard, TV Personality.
Our Members
BLS membership is multi professional, comprising nurses, physiotherapists, doctors, occupational therapists, manual lymphatic drainage therapists, others with an interest in lymphoedema including its treatment and corporate partners
Our Regional Representatives
Regional Representatives are members of BLS who undertake to facilitate networking of members in their area. They are key advocates of the Society who make a valuable contribution to enhancement of communication and liaison between local members.
Support Us
As a Charity donations and fundraising are vital to support our work; there are many ways to help us to make a difference for people with lymphoedema.
Our Trustees
Our Trustees are BLS members, elected and supported by members to work on their behalf and ensure the legal and governance requirements as a registered charity are met.
Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England
This Code, based on the principles of protecting the public by promoting best practice, guides employers and ensures that healthcare support workers are ‘working to standard’, providing high quality,...
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Proforma for BLS Scientific Committee Member Application
Application form for membership of the BLS SC
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Chronic Oedema - Lymphoedema Definitions
Consensus Statement on the Chronic Oedema – Lymphoedema Interface
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