Self-Referral Wound and Lymphoedema
Pioneer Wound Healing and Lymphoedema Centres specialises in providing compassionate and comprehensive wound care and lymphoedema management. We recognise that some patients and their families from outside our Sussex NHS service may wish to seek access to our specialist services via our self-funded self-referral route. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to enhancing the lives of our patients by delivering the best results possible.
Our dedicated and highly skilled teams led by Nurses and Lymphoedema Consultants take pride in their ability to heal wounds, optimise Lymphoedema care / treatment and improve patients’ lives. Whether you or a loved one is dealing with a non-healing wound or persistent swelling we’re here to help.
We will be happy to review your self-referral if you or your relatives can complete the simple form and attach some photographs of the wound(s) or swelling. Our aim is to respond to your initial enquiry within 3 days. Below are answers to some of the frequently asked questions our patients have, including treatment costs.
What to expect:
Step One
for you the Patient/family member
Complete the Self Referral Form & upload photographs
Step Two
for Pioneer
Tissue Viability/Lymphoedema Consultant
Step Three
for you to consider
We will contact you within 3 working days and if we can help we will offer you an appointment
What is a chronic wound?
What types of conditions do Pioneer treat?
At Pioneer we specialise in treating patients suffering with:
- Leg ulcers
- Pressure ulcers (bed sores)
- Wounds from surgery or procedures
- Wounds on the feet, non-Diabetic and Diabetic patients
- Skin/wound infections (Cellulitis)
- Lymphoedema (persistent swelling anywhere on the body)
- Lipoedema (out of proportion body shape with painful limbs)
Other skin conditions related to the above
You or your loved one may have been dealing with a wound for a long time and do not yet know the type of wound you have. We can also support you in getting this diagnosis.
What is Lymphoedema?
A build-up of fluid in the skin tissues that does not go away with rest and elevation.
This swelling can appear anywhere on the body, this can include the face, chest, groin, genitals, arms and legs. This can be hereditary or as a result of other treatments/surgery. This is often a poorly diagnosed condition; we can help with this diagnosis and treatment.
What is Lipoedema?
This not the same as Lymphoedema. Lipoedema is a genetic condition that results in uneven fatty tissues deposited around the body. Often this can be seen at the wrist, ankles and hips. Patients often report these areas as being painful and heavy. We can support you to understand and manage this condition.
Can I Self Refer to Pioneer?
Yes you most certainly can. We recognise how debilitating these conditions are for patients and their families, that’s why we’re happy to take self-referrals. Simply fill in the referral form to send us your details and photographs and one of our team will get in touch.
Our aim would be to review your self-referral within 3 working days of receiving it and we may contact you for more details, a video consultation or we may offer you an appointment at the closest Pioneer Wound Healing and Lymphoedema Centre to you. Our Clinical Administrators are skilled at accommodating travel times to ensure you can arrive for your appointment in good time.
How is my treatment delivered?
Your treatment can be delivered in a variety of ways. You may wish to attend in person for some or all of your appointments at one of our Centres in Sussex or the Midlands. Or alternatively, following your initial consultation, we can provide you with a treatment plan so you or your loved one can arrange for some/all of this care to be shared with your local care provider.
How long will my treatment take?
For wounds there’s no simple answer to this question, everyone is different. Healing times depend on your age, severity/age of your wound, and any other health conditions you may have. That said, in 2023 Pioneer were able to heal 88.5% of patients leg ulcers in 78 days. The average number of appointments with the Pioneer team to discharge these patients (healed) was 16.
For Lymphoedema/Lipoedema, these conditions cannot be cured but we can help you to make them significantly better through various treatments and self-management techniques.
Do you take referrals from family members?
Yes we do. We know how worrying it can be to see a family member or friend struggling with a chronic wound or Lymphoedema/Lipoedema. We are happy to take referrals from carers, family members or friends, all you need to do is fill in the referral form.
I’ve had a wound or swelling for a very long time can you help me?
Yes we most certainly can. Our teams have the skills and knowledge to be able to heal your wound/optimise Lymphoedema/Lipoedma. We know how to manage these complex conditions and have a range of treatment options available to us that we can use to give you the best possible outcome.
If your wound/swelling is not suitable for treatment by the Team at Pioneer we will be able to signpost you to other services that may be able to help you.
How much will it cost for Pioneer to treat my condition?
Patients with Wounds
Initial assessment
- Full Assessment at a Pioneer Clinic
- Treatment Plan *
- Dressings provided**
Follow up appointment
- Following a full assement:
- Regular appointments at the Pioneer Clinic where specialist review and updates to Treatment Plan & care are provided. This appointment type can also be booked for Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) treatment.
Follow up appointments beyond 3 months of the full Pioneer assessment will require a new full assessment.
*Treatment Plan provided; your local health care professional to adopt and implement care as prescribed
**Dressings also provided for your next appointment with your local health care professional
Patients with Lymphoedema/Lipoedema
Initial assessment
- Full Assessment at a Pioneer Clinic
- Treatment Plan *
Follow up appointment
- Following a full assement:
- Regular appointments at the Pioneer Clinic where specialist review and updates to to Treatment Plan & care are provided. This appointment type can also be booked for Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) treatment.
Follow up appointments beyond 6 months of the full Pioneer assessment will require a new full assessment.
What are the additional costs?
Potential additional Costs
Most patients with lymphoedema/Lipoedema and those with wounds on the lower leg will require compression garments to improve/maintain their condition. Patients are required to purchase these separately (basic hosiery is around £10 per set but made to measure hosiery can be required to achieve the best clinical outcome and be more than £120 per set – your clinician will discuss the options and their recommendations with you during your appointment).