Monica Lennon
Women’s Health, is determined to campaign for more resources and awareness, describing the provision as “an injustice”.
Ms Lennon said: “It’s appalling that Anne, and other women affected by lipoedema, are being refused clinical treatment on the NHS. I’m asking Jeane Freeman to work with me to make sure the seriousness of lipoedema is recognised and for access to treatment to be improved.”
Research is being done to try to identify links, including the fact that almost a third have someone in their family who have been diagnosed with the condition, but 74% suspect they have relatives who are undiagnosed.
The Scottish Government said: “We recognise that lipoedema can be a distressing and painful condition. We want people living in Scotland to be able to access the best possible care and support, and benefit from healthcare services that are safe, effective and put people at the centre of their care.
“Clinicians are best placed to determine which patients would be suitable for liposuction and any offer of this treatment must be at the discretion of the lead clinician responsible for a person’s care.”