ODD socks were sported by Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust staff in support of lymphoedema awareness week.

Lymphoedema is a long-term condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but commonly develops in the arms or legs. The condition affects around 430,000 people in the UK. and there is currently no cure.

It is usually possible to control the main symptoms using techniques by wearing compression garments, taking good care of your skin, moving and exercising regularly, having a healthy diet and lifestyle, and using specialised massage techniques.

The ‘Sock It’ awareness campaign this month, organised by the British Lymphology Society, asked for supporters to post photos of their odd socks on social media with the hashtag #LymphoedemaAwareness and to challenge five others to do the same.

Lorraine Brown, lymphoedema clinical nurse specialist for Royal Surrey, said: “Early intervention is the primary means of limiting the impact lymphoedema has on patients, so it is important it is identified and treated as soon as possible.

“Public awareness is crucial in helping achieve the best outcome for sufferers.”

* A joint project led by NHS Guildford and Waverley CCG and Royal Surrey County Hospital has been shortlisted for a Health Service Journal value award in the pharmacy and medicines optimisation category.

The initiative aims to manage the increasing spend on direct oral anticoagulants which help prevent blood clots and are given to people at a high risk to reduce their chances of developing serious conditions such as strokes and heart attacks.

By working together, local GPs in Guildford and Waverley, the CCG and the hospital have made considerable cost savings and have increased the focus on patient safety.