Lymphoedema compression garments
Compression garment scheme
Compression garments are tight bandages that can help with lymphoedema symptoms such as swelling and trapped lymph fluid. They help to reduce the risk of infection and can be a key form of treatment for people with lymphoedema.
If you have a lymphoedema diagnosis, you may be able to get free compression garments under our Compression Garment Scheme.
Who can apply
To be eligible you must:
- show proof of your diagnosis, such as a GP referral letter or medical record
- be 16 or older
- live permanently in Queensland
- have a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card from Services Australia
- be eligible for Medicare.
You won’t be eligible if:
- you’re being treated for lymphoedema in hospital
- you could get free compression garments from your health insurer, or a government program such as WorkCover or NDIS (the National Disability Insurance Scheme)
- you need compression garments for airplane travel, but don't have a diagnosis of lymphoedema.
We can still assess and treat your lymphoedema if you’re not eligible for free compression garments. This includes prescribing garments and checking they fit you.
How to apply
Your garments must be prescribed by an eligible health professional. This can be someone who works for our Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) or someone listed on the National Lymphoedema Practitioners Register.
If garments are a suitable treatment, they’ll fill in a compression garment order form and send it to your nearest HHS.
When your garments are ready, they’ll contact you to check they fit. It could take up to 12 weeks as some garments are made to order.
We have guidelines for health professionals who prescribe free garments under the scheme.
If you'd like to see a lymphoedema health professional, call your nearest HHS and ask to speak to their physiotherapy or occupational therapy team. You can also call a private provider.
Replacing garments
Compression garments can lose their elasticity over time. If you need to replace a garment, see your health professional for a review. Under the scheme you can get 2 free garments per body part every 6 months, if you need them. If you need more garments than this, you'll need to pay for them.
Moving house
If a HHS prescribes your garments, you’ll need to check you still live in their catchment area when you move house. If you live outside of their catchment area, ask your nearest HHS about transferring your care to them.
Contact a HHS about the compression garment scheme
See a map of Hospital and Health Service catchment areas (PDF, 542 KB).
Cairns and Hinterland
Central Queensland
Rockhampton Hospital – 07 4920 6269
Gladstone and Biloela, community health service – 07 4976 3130
Emerald Hospital – 07 4987 9400
Central West
Children’s Health Queensland
Darling Downs
Gold Coast
Mackay
Metro North
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, upper limb, head and neck – 07 3646 7100
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, lower limb – 07 3646 4319
The Prince Charles Hospital – 07 3139 4896
Redcliffe Hospital – 07 3883 7507
Caboolture Hospital – 07 5316 5780
Metro South
North West
South West
Sunshine Coast
Torres and Cape
tchhs-north-ot@health.qld.gov.au
tchhs-wpa-ot@health.qld.gov.au