New service launches in North Wales to support people with ME/CFS
It is estimated that up to 1 million people in the UK now live with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME / CFS). It is a complex condition affecting multiple systems in the body.
A new integrated service is now available in North Wales for people living with ME / CFS. The service brings together a team of health professionals to provide specialist assessment, treatment, and personalised support. People can self-refer online or ask a health professional to refer them.
What is the new service?
The new Living Well Service provides access to a wide range of health professionals and support, whilst also maintaining dedicated support for people with ME/ CFS. This service is an expansion of the long COVID service, through Welsh Government funding.
The ME/CFS and Living Well Services are working together to provide an integrated service. This will ensure people with ME/CFS can access the wider range of health professionals and support available from the Living Well Service, while also maintaining dedicated support for people with ME/CFS. The new service now provides:
- Assessment
- Diagnosis
- A range of treatment and support
- Support to develop a personalised care and support plan
What is ME/ CFS?
ME/ CFS is a long-term, complex condition that can affect many parts of the body. It is estimated that up to one million people in the UK live with ME/ CFS.
Common symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Problems with memory or concentration
- Poor or unrefreshing sleep
- Worsening symptoms after physical, cognitive, social and/or emotional exertion (post-exertional malaise)
ME/ CFS often develops after a viral or infectious illness.
Designed with people in mind
“As a service and in collaboration with people with lived experience, we have put a lot of thought into how we can enhance support for people with ME/CFS in North Wales. We understand the challenges faced by people with ME/CFS, and the new service will ensure people receive appropriate, specialist support, which is in line with the latest national best practice guidelines.
People with ME/CFS often have difficulty navigating the healthcare system; care co-ordination and support is therefore crucial. The service offers a wider range of support options including medical assessment as part of a holistic assessment, diagnosis and treatment from a range of health professionals in the community. Support is also available for those with severe symptoms including domiciliary appointments. Dedicated support for ME/CFS remains, but with access to a wider range of support.”
Claire Jones, Consultant Therapist for the Living Well Service
The Welsh Association of ME Support (WAMES)
The WELSH Association of ME Support (WAMES) has welcomed the new model.
"WAMES’ is encouraged to hear that all adults with any severity of ME/CFS in north Wales will be offered a service that is being shaped by the ME/CFS NICE guideline (2021). We look forward to continuing to work with the Health Board and service users to enable the service to grow and improve, and be a positive source of information and support in the area."
Jan Russell, WAMES
Website: www.wames.org.uk
How to access this support
People with suspected or diagnosed ME/CFS can self-refer to the new service, or health professionals can make a referral on their behalf.
Self-refer online: Living Well Service Self-Referral
Further information about the service: Living Well Service
Those who wish to self-refer and require support with this can contact the Living Well Service on 03000 840007 or email BCU.LWSQueriesPanBCU@wales.nhs.uk.