Contacts

WESTERN SYDNEY
Louise Koelmeyer - Ph: 9845 6500

SOUTH EASTERN SYDNEY
Liane O'Brien - Ph: 9350 2163 Fax: 9350-3075
email: obrienl@sesahs.nsw.gov.au

SOUTH WESTERN SYDNEY
Josephine Tamara - Ph: 9828-4709

NORTHERN SYDNEY
Barbara Smith - Ph: 9402 5625

UPPER HUNTER and NEW ENGLAND Region
Barry Bryan - Ph: 02 - 6546 6594
barry.bryan@bigpond.com

MILTON/ULLADULLA DISTRICT
Joanne Brazell - ph: 02-4454-0939
 

It is a privilege to be at the end of the line of the lymphoedema support group phone. The service has been running for approximately one year and in that time there have been nearly 300 phone calls. The reasons for the phone calls vary enormously. The service is used by professionals - doctors wanting information about lymphoedema - general information, treatment or where to send patients. Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists interested in courses or inquiring where to send people for treatment, and interested in joining the Practitioners' Group. Of course, the majority of queries come from those who have had surgery, about to have surgery, those who have lymphoedema or feel that they may be at risk. There are calls from concerned relatives, partners and friends. Some people with lymphoedema have a need to be heard and time is spent listening with advice given, if appropriate. There has been one phone call from a firm willing to raise money for us. What a wonderful gesture! At the information day on 18/3/00, many volunteered their services and this will need to be harnessed. The phone will be used for this purpose. It is of great benefit to be a professional and to be able to assess each query with experience gained by many years in the profession of physiotherapy. It must be emphasised that there is disclaimer on any advice. I enjoy listening to people, so please don't hesitate to call if you have a problem or want to off-load. Bye for now,      Barbara Smith