Making a referral
A number of specialist M.E. clinics exist across the UK, with multi-disciplinary teams usually offering diagnostic services and specialist symptom management programmes. The general principles of management within the specialist services will be similar although there may be slight differences. In general, all patients will be individually assessed and then offered management either as individual sessions or within a group.
Referral to other services may also be required for additional assessment, symptom control or further support and advice. This could include referral:
- to a specialist consultant, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or psychological therapist
- for welfare benefits and/or employment support advice
- for additional help from the primary care team
- to social services for additional care support.
Some areas are not covered by specialist services, particularly in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so an out-of-area referral may be necessary. The British Association for CFS/M.E. (BACME) may be able to help.
Action for M.E. can offer your patients information, advice and support on a range of issues, including welfare benefits, staying in or returning to employment, or leaving work well; pacing and other self-management approaches; and accessing peer-support.
Our Healthcare Services team includes a doctor, physiotherapists, counsellors and chaplains, offering individually tailored whole-person care, with an understanding of severe M.E. As a charity, we charge fees for our Healthcare Services only to cover our costs, and a bursary for up to 50% of fees may be available, depending on your circumstances.
