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

07 4226 6330

Central Queensland

Rockhampton Hospital – 07 4920 6269

Gladstone and Biloela, community health service – 07 4976 3130

Emerald Hospital – 07 4987 9400

Central West

07 4652 7960

Children’s Health Queensland

07 3068 2802

Darling Downs

07 4616 6356

Gold Coast

07 5687 3027

Mackay

07 4885 7600

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

07 3136 3636

1300 443 570

North West

07 4744 4447

South West

07 4620 2265

Sunshine Coast

07 5202 2233

Torres and Cape

07 4226 1092

tchhs-north-ot@health.qld.gov.au

tchhs-wpa-ot@health.qld.gov.au

Townsville

07 4433 2370

07 4433 7321

West Moreton

07 3810 1357

Wide Bay

1300 090 760