ALERT Centre
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Innovative treatments and transformational care
For people at risk of or living with lymphoedema and the health professionals who care for them, the Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research and Treatment Centre (ALERT) provides world-leading integrated personalised treatment.
The ALERT Centre was recognised as a LE&RN Centre of Excellence – Lymphatic Disease Network in 2020 for its exceptional multidisciplinary care and services for people affected by lymphatic disease (LD) and their families. In 2025, this recognition was renewed and elevated, with the Centre upgraded to a LE&RN Comprehensive Center of Excellence (COE) in lymphatic disease.
Read more about the Lymphatic Education and Research Network.
Our strategic priorities
Our vision
A world where individuals with lymphoedema, lipoedema or chronic oedema have access to early diagnosis, effective treatment and support, empowering them to live healthy lives.
Our mission
Delivering high-standard personalised clinical care, evidence-based education and innovative research in the field of lymphoedema, lipoedema and chronic oedemas.
We seek to:
- be the leading provider of continuing professional development and postgraduate qualifications for health professionals
- advance scientific understanding in early diagnosis and innovative treatments through rigorous research, collaboration and patient-centred care
- position our clinic as the leading national multidisciplinary 'one-stop shop' provider.
About lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition caused by a functional overload of the lymphatic system, where lymph volume surpasses its transport capacity.
This under-researched and poorly understood condition can:
- significantly affect physical and psychological well-being
- diminish quality of life
- impose substantial costs on patients and healthcare systems.
Its prevalence is rising due to increased cancer survival rates and longer life expectancy. There are two types of lymphoedema:
Primary
This is due to abnormal lymphatics. It can occur at any age from infancy to old age.
Secondary
This is most commonly caused by cancer treatment to the lymph nodes, but can also be caused by other trauma.
ALERT education
A unique and comprehensive lymphoedema service
Help ALERT deliver the best in lymphoedema education
Associate Prof. Louise Koelmeyer explains the latest advice Download annual report