Why can we only have 2 garments every six months on the NHS?

[LymphSuppNetwork]

In the next in our series of ask the experts Dr Catherine and Anita discuss the provision of compression on the NHS.

youtu.be/j7qppB5AChk(Not working as expected?)

[TeresaMay]

Mine last 3 months. I have to increase pain relief until I can get replacements. And if only 2 pairs were ordered each time. I frequently have to make the second request when the stockings arrive.

[Perido]

Only having 2 garments at a time means washing them EVERY day. It all adds to the daily grind of living with lymphoedema - it's time consuming and exhausting..

[Brammingham in reply to Perido]

You cannot get them dry in 1 day!!.

[DeadfootMo]

Cost is the reason the NHS limit prescriptions of compression. I was told they were about £60 or £70 a pair irrespective of compression type or strength.

[On_porter]

I get 2 PAIRS every 6 months from hospital and then extra on prescription. 🤷‍♂️

[caroline111]

Yes, it’s really difficult only getting two pairs – especially when the new pair doesn’t fit and has to be returned. Even if they are OK, washing and drying them is really hard if they are flat-knit. You can’t spin them and not supposed to wring them although I do a bit and hang them in the airing cupboard overnight. It’s exhausting and you feel you’re on a treadmill when you’ve only got two pairs. I would be happy to buy an extra pair but the NHS doesn’t seem to have a mechanism for patients buying things or at least my clinic doesn’t seem to know how to do it.