Physiotherapists operating in the field of lymphoedema are preparing to share their specialist knowledge with service users and colleagues from a range of healthcare professions at an event next month.
The British Lymphology Society (BLS) – which is celebrating its fortieth anniversary this year – is holding its annual conference from 6-8 October at Chester Racecourse. The UK-wide charity is appealing for potential delegates to book places by 26 September.
The event kicks off with an exhibitor reception on the evening of 6 October, which is followed by a packed programme of presentations and social events over the next two days.
Yolande Borthwick: event opener
Yolande Borthwick, a physiotherapist by background who has a lymphoedema specialist for 20 years, will open the main conference programme on 7 October alongside BLS lymphoedema clinical lead Lorraine Brown. Yolande is a lecturer at the University of Glasgow who works in the NHS in central Scotland.
As co-chair of the the BLS, Yolande sets out her approach in the draft conference programme – which the organisers stress might be subject to changes – in the following way. ‘I am passionate about promoting a rehabilitative approach to lymphoedema and lipoedema management especially encouraging self-management and active involvement from the person living with these long-term conditions.’
Yolande adds: ‘Increased awareness, early intervention and improved education for both health care professionals and people who are at risk of developing lymphoedema are all also special interest areas. Another passion is around data collection and the need for this to support and improve services.’
‘I am passionate about promoting a rehabilitative approach to lymphoedema and lipoedema management especially encouraging self-management and active involvement from the person living with these long-term conditions’ [Yolande Borthwick]
Preksha Vivekanandan
A second physiotherapist who is lined up to appear at the BLS’s annual conference is Preksha Vivekanandan, a lymphoedema therapist at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. She will describe the characteristics of patients referred to London lymphoedema services, drawing on information gathered from the BLS minimum data set over three years.
Preksha’s background lies in oncology and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. An honorary member of the BLS scientific committee, she has published risk reduction advice relating to breast cancer-related lymphoedema.
Preksha is currently focusing on gynaecological cancer-related lymphoedema, aiming to improve treatment pathways and post-operative care paradigms. She is being supported by a National Institute for Health and Care Research pre-application fund as she prepares for a PhD in this area. Alongside this, Preksha is an active member of the Pan-London Lymphoedema Community of Practice.
Patryk Gawrysiak: focus on genital oedema
Specialist physiotherapist Patryk Gawrysiak is one of two speakers who will give a presentation on genital oedema on the 7 October. Patryk leads the Lymphoedema Therapy Team at St George’s Hospital in south London, where he has worked since 2009. Patryk, who is also a member of the BLS Scientific Committee, works closely with Lymphoedema Consultants in diagnostic clinics as well as in therapy clinics. He obtained an MSc in Physiotherapy from the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences in Poland in 2003.
Laura Henry
Laura Henry, a physiotherapist and PhD researcher at the Ulster University, will give a presentation on the afternoon of 7 October. The title is ‘Physical activity in the prevention and management of breast cancer-related lymphoedema: a scoping review’.
As a physiotherapist with 20 years’ experience, Laura specialises in oncology and lymphoedema in the NHS and with charitable organisations in Northern Ireland. She holds both the Foldi Lymphoedema Therapy Certification and Advanced Certification and has recently embarked on a PhD at Ulster University, where she is researching the role of physical activity in breast cancer-related lymphoedema.
Dave Graham-Woollard
On the closing day of the conference, Dave Graham-Woollard from Lymphoedema Wales will give a presentation. The title is ‘Development and delivery of a healthcare professional cellulitis professional programme’.
Dave is an advanced practice physiotherapist with more than 30 years’ experience in the NHS, private practice, sports and medical education. He is the national cellulitis lead with Lymphoedema Wales Clinical Network and is heavily involved in service development, innovation, clinical delivery and education for cellulitis and lymphoedema.
To find out more about registering, visit: https://www.theblsconference.com/registration
Information about the BLS 2025 programme is available here.
X: @BritishLymph
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