A SUPPORT and treatment group dedicated to people with leg problems which recently celebrated its first birthday is providing the model for other groups nationwide.

Evesham Leg Club, one of 15 in England will soon be visited by representatives of one of the first such groups in Wales and has had visits from students, doctors and pensioners groups from across Worcestershire.

"We know we've improved our care and knowledge and skills over the year we have been operating," said district nurse team lead Jo Dodd, who co-ordinates the group with the help of six nurses and numerous volunteers.

"We have developed by working with people rather than just providing care."

The club deals principally with people suffering medical problems resulting from circulatory complaints, normally ulcers but also including conditions like varicose veins.

Where the club differs from traditional medical treatment is in putting a social aspect on the problems to remove any stigma associated with them.

"There is evidence to suggest people don't go out in public because of a stigma with having a bandaged leg," explained Jo. "When people come here we give them a complete holistic assessment which includes a psychological assessment. If people are not going out and talking to others because of a wound which will not heal it can cause depression.

"There have always been leg ulcer clinics in medical establishments, but by offering a drop-in service we get people coming along who would not have visited a medical place.

"Some people don't think it's important enough to bother their doctor with and wouldn't come in if we weren't here."

The social aspect of meeting fellow sufferers is a crucial part of the leg club idea, first started by district nurse Ellie Lindsay in Suffolk ten years ago.

And Jo Dodd says the social aspect is an effective part of the healing process.

"It has been shown that interacting with others in a social setting helps healing," she said. "What's different about us is that we are giving evidence-based treatment and care but in a non-medical environment.

"We treat people collectively which breaks down stigma. We sit three people in a half-moon shape within talking distance and they can chat while three nurses treat them."

The popularity of the idea has been recognised internationally, according to Jo.

"There are lots of leg clubs in Australia," she said, "that is good for us because it generates robust evidence and means there is more going on at a higher level to treat these problems."

With around five per cent of leg ulcers never healing, the club provides a crucial service which does not end when a patient's leg heals.

"Once a patient's leg heals we continue to monitor for problems," added Jo, "by monitoring people we can significantly reduce the chances of a problem re-occurring. We also look at the reasons for an ulcer so we can prevent them happening again."

The team of nurses at the leg club - all of whom do a specialist three-month leg ulcer management module at the University of Worcester - are funded by the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust but the running costs of the club are funded by a members' raffle. The Worcestershire Transport Unit have awarded two grants totalling around £2,000 and the club is applying to the Evesham-based John Martin charity for further funds.

Anyone suffering leg problems can call Jo on 01386 502313 or can drop in at the club, based in Evesham Town Hall, Market Place, on Thursdays at any time from 9am-12.30pm.