Mercita has worked within the NHS as a qualified general nurse for over 26 years. In 2005 a close friend developed Lymphoedema, secondary to a breast cancer diagnosis, after exploring treatment options with her friend she developed an interest in Lymphoedema and started her journey in becoming one of the first specialists in Wiltshire focusing solely on Lymphoedema treatment.
Over the last 14 years, Mercita has worked within the NHS and privately providing cancer and non-cancer related Lymphoedema care which has taken her across the South West of England and London. Treatment care plans for her patients have ranged from manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging and also educating patients on their conditions to ensure appropriate management at home.
During first few years of Mercita’s work within Lymphoedema care she noticed an increase in the influx of referrals from patients with non-cancer Lymphoedema as previously this was not routinely treated through the Wiltshire CCG. Mercita worked with the CCG to educated them on the importance of appropriate treatment for this patient group, after successfully receiving funding Mercita was approached by the Great Western NHS Trust to run their Lymphoedema service, during which she clinically lead a community service for Wiltshire, working collaboratively with Tissue Viability to enhance their skills on treatment options with a special focus on patients with Lymphoedema and venous leg ulcers.
Mercita has a natural passion for Lymphoedema and has always enjoyed providing the best quality of care. She has supported and inspired colleagues and wishes to continue supporting them. She has continuously increased her skills and knowledge over the years and possesses other therapies alongside her Lymphoedema training such as The Bowen Technique, KineseoTaping, and recently becoming a Bodymindworker. These therapies compliment patients with Lymphoedema/Chronic Oedema.
Mercita continuously keeps her skills up to date and regularly attends study days and conferences to make sure she enhances her knowledge and understanding of the field whilst promoting evidence-based practice. Secondary to her clinical work Mercita works as a consultant for the Lymphoedema industry, supplying them with education, teaching and clinical support.
Over the years in Lymphoedema, Mercita has been involved with delivering a high standard of education and training and also developing business cases and service provision within Lymphoedema. She has made a contribution to evaluating new innovative products and emphasises her passion in innovation and evaluation. She aspires being a key leader in her role; shaping standards, promoting evidence-based practice, and influencing others.
Mercita has been described as having a professional and caring personality and an expert within the lymphedema field, she truly believes that her treatment ‘has to have an impact on patient care and improve their quality of life”.