A ‘LEG café’ helping people with lower limb problems has been extended across East Lancashire.

The cafés – informal venues where patients also receive refreshments – aim to make living with conditions such as leg ulcers and varicose veins more manageable.

Following the success of a pilot service launched at Bank Mill House Senior Citizens Centre in Great Harwood two years ago, NHS East Lancashire has introduced the cafés in four more community venues in Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale and the Ribble Valley.

Marcia Haworth, clinical lead for integrated wound care services, said they now see around 70 patients per month.

She said: “We set the café up to stop people going to hospital unnecessarily and to provide solutions at a local level.

“We wanted to have the cafés in non-NHS buildings and we now have five leg cafés in more of a social setting.”

Patients can either drop by or call to make an appointment.

On arrival they are assessed. This includes questions about medical history, treatments and how their problems affect their day-to-day life.

Marcia said: “It’s normally older patients but sometimes we get people who have had a baby, women who have problems with varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis.

"We advise lifestyle changes and can prescribe hosiery garments like in-flight socks you get on a plane.”

The stockings work by applying graduated pressure to the muscles and veins in the leg to relieve discomfort.

If patients have more serious arterial problems with their blood flow, or open sores and ulcers, they are fast-tracked to their GP, to hospital, or to the trust's vascular service at Acorn Primary Health Care Centre in Accrington, where more hi-tech equipment is available.

Mohammed Asghar, 72, of Accrington, was seen by nurse Julie Mitchell and prescribed a pair of stockings.

“My legs were sore and itchy, they were swollen and it was getting worse. My GP gave me a leaflet and told me to come here.

“I've been well looked after.“

His daughter Nazma Ibrar, 30, added: “You don't have to wait as long as when you got to hospital and it's very convenient.”

You can access the service at:

Burnley – Jimmy McIlroy Stand, European Suite, Turf Moor, alternate Fridays, 9.30 to 11.30am. Next session June 3.

Ribble Valley – St Ann's Court Sheltered Housing, Low Moor, Clitheroe, alternate Thursdays 9.30 to 11.30am. Next session May 26.

Hyndburn – Bank Mill House Senior Citizens Centre, Great Harwood, every Wednesday, 2 to 4pm.

Rossendale – Irwell House, Waterfoot, alternate Tuesdays, 2 to 4pm. Next session May 31.

Pendle – Christ Church, Nelson, alternate Mondays 2 to 4pm. Next session May 23.

Call 01254 770054 or visit the website below.