Lipoedema UK Statement
Congratulations to Clare Adams for launching the petition calling for a review of NHS lipoedema care, and thank you to everyone who has supported it. The petition has now received more than 11,000 signatures. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament, so every signature and share still matters. You can still sign the petition here.
The Department of Health and Social Care has now published its response, recognising that people living with lipoedema face significant challenges, including delays in diagnosis, limited access to treatment, and the impact the condition can have on physical and mental wellbeing.
Lipoedema UK welcomes the Government’s recognition of the significant challenges faced by people living with lipoedema and its acknowledgement of the need to improve awareness, education and access to evidence-based care.
It is also encouraging to see Lipoedema UK’s work with healthcare professionals recognised, including our Clinicians and Healthcare Membership and our collaboration with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) to develop an e-learning module for GPs.
The response also confirms that NICE will review its guidance on liposuction for chronic lipoedema once the full LIPLEG trial evidence has been published. Lipoedema UK is already working with NICE in preparation for this review and will continue to ensure that the latest research, alongside the experiences of people living with lipoedema, helps inform future guidance.
However, recognition must now be matched with action. We urge the Government to work with the NHS, NICE, clinicians and Lipoedema UK to:
- Develop a national clinical pathway for lipoedema to enable timely diagnosis and service provision.
- Establish minimum service standards across all Integrated Care Boards.
- Improve education and training on lipoedema for healthcare professionals.
- Ensure equitable access to conservative treatments and specialist services, regardless of postcode.
- Review NHS funding for both conservative and surgical treatment options promptly once the full LIPLEG evidence has been evaluated.
Lipoedema UK will continue campaigning for better care by working alongside clinicians, researchers and healthcare organisations, including NICE, to raise awareness, improve education and advocate for equitable, evidence-based care for everyone living with lipoedema.
This response is an important milestone, but there is still much more to do.
Support our Work
Lipoedema UK is a small charity, and all our work relies on donations from our supporters. Your donation helps us continue campaigning for better care, supporting people living with lipoedema, and driving the change that is still needed.
Lipoedema UK
Registered Charity No. 1181312
www.lipoedema.co.uk