The inaugural meeting coincides with Lymphoedema Awareness Week and patients will meet at St John of God Hospital for a morning tea.

Acting chief executive officer and director of nursing Leanne McPherson said the support group, thought to be the first for the region, would provide many benefits for patients.

“It obviously can be quite a complex illness and people often feel like they are the only ones going through it,” she said.

Ms McPherson said it was good for patients to hear from others with the incurable condition and the different treatment options available.

Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic circulation fails to function correctly, causing swelling of the limbs and other areas of the body.