Lymph Lab to open in Bundaberg

Nurse practitioner James Chapman and his wife will open the doors to their new business later this month.

Nurse practitioner and Lymph Lab director James Chapman said the motivation behind the clinic’s launch was to help those suffering lymphoedema and lipodoema.

A specialised lymphoedema care clinic, The Lymph Lab, will open its doors in Bundaberg on January 31.
The clinic aims to address what a spokesman says is a crucial gap in the region’s health services.

Nurse practitioner and Lymph Lab director James Chapman said the motivation behind the clinic’s launch was to help those suffering lymphoedema and lipodoema.
“I’m a nurse practitioner currently working in general practice with a special interest in lymphoedema and lipodoema diagnosis treatment and management,” Mr Chapman said.
“The Lymph Lab started early last year where my wife (a highly experienced nurse) and I noticed that lymphoedema services were lacking, particularly on the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay area.

Nurse practitioner and Lymph Lab director James Chapman.

“Wide Bay was an obvious area to support, and with both of us belonging to the Family Doctor chain of GPs, we were welcomed with open arms to join their practice.”
He said he offered various services for lymphoedema and lipoedema.
“These include biocompression, bioimpedance spectroscopy, manual lymphatic massage/drainage, prescription garment measurement and supply, lymphoedema education sessions, as well new and repeat prescriptions, medical imaging and pathology referrals.”

“It’s widely known that access to lymphoedema care is lacking, particularly where Medicare rebates can be applied generously.

“Our overheads are low, and so we try and keep our fees as low as possible, in some cases even bulk-billing patients for lengthy treatments where necessary.”

Mr Chapman and his wife, parents of three children, including twins, are committed to their mission of helping others.
“We get a lot of good feedback for how simple and accessible our approach is to managing lymphoedema. We’re a pretty chilled out couple from the Sunshine Coast.
“We get a lot of satisfaction in helping where help is needed, and I think the community really receives us well.”