Sussex ME Society call for NHS services to be further developed

The Sussex ME Society is calling for specialist NHS services for those affected by chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), known as ME, to be further developed.

Brighton Pavilion MP and Patron to the Sussex ME Society, Caroline Lucas recently asked the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, if they will take steps to expand NHS specialist services for those affected by ME or CFS in Sussex.

Caroline received a reply stating that services for people with CFS are commissioned by local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). It is the responsibility of the local NHS commissioners to ensure NHS services are commissioned to meet local needs, including for specialist CFS care, taking into account best practice guidance, such as that produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Colin Barton, Chair of the ME Society, says ‘We are calling on the Brighton & Hove and Sussex CCGs to look seriously at providing further funding to enable the existing ME/CFS services in Sussex to expand to meet the growing need for these valuable clinics that presently deal with around 50 referrals per month.’

Caroline Lucas added: ‘I hope the local clinical commissioning groups, when planning for the long term, continue to provide and expand services for patients with ME or CFS, which offer a lifeline to sufferers and their families.’

Myalgic encephalopathy (ME) or CFS can sometimes follow a viral infection or trauma is classified as a neurological disorder and affects over 4,000 adults and children, including a good number from the LGBTQ+ communities, across Sussex to varying degrees.

More info on Sussex ME Society: https://measussex.org.uk