M.E. affects over 200,000 adults and children in England (250,000 across the UK). Around 25,000 are children.
In 2007 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued a full guideline and a quick reference guide for health professionals in England and Wales, on the diagnosis and management of CFS/M.E. in adults and children.
NHS multi-disciplinary services
NHS multi-disciplinary services were set up in a number of areas after the government announced ring-fenced funding of £8.5 million in 2003. Co-ordinating centres are located in Birmingham, Bristol, Carshalton (Surrey), Derby, Great Yarmouth (Norfolk), Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Poole (Dorset), Sheffield and Truro - see our services directory for contact details.
Their establishment led to the development of a network of healthcare professionals, now known as the British Association of CFS/M.E. (BACME).
These services report positive outcomes in terms of helping patients to self-mange the illness but patient opinion is mixed.
A National Outcomes Database has been set up to monitor their effectiveness.
The period of ring-fenced funding ended in 2006. In many areas it is still not possible to see a local specialist with experience of M.E.
An All Party Parliamentary Group for M.E. meets in Westminster.
Can you help?
If you can recommend any health, welfare, social care, advocacy, independent living or other advisory or support service for people with M.E. in your local area, please tell us and we will try to include it in our online directory.
