Thursday 24 July 2008 support@eastlancsme.org.uk www.eastlancsme.org.uk

THE EAST LANCS ME/CFS SUPPORT GROUP ON THE NET

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LANCASHIRE AND SOUTH CUMBRIA NHS CFS/ME SERVICE Following a government cash injection of £8.5m for new CFS/ME services in 2003 the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS CFS/ME Service launched in January 2006. They are accepting GP referals from throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria and the service for East Lancashire is based at Clitheroe Hospital. The team consists of a consultant, a physiotherapist who is also the team manager, a consultant clinical psychologist, an assistant psychologist and a technical instructor. There is a programme of 8 two-hour sessions covering all aspects of CFS/ME which patients can attend. Some initial blood tests and a urine sample need to be taken before your GP can refer you and, depending on the results, your GP may recommend a referral to the consultant. However most patients will not need to see him. For further information please visit the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS CFS/ME Service website for more information at www.centrallancashire.nhs.uk/centrallancsPortal/portal/cn/PatientServices/cfs. NB this is a brand new re-launched website (July 2008) and includes information for both patients and medical professionals and now includes the referral form for primary care (GPs) to the service as well as some very informative guides to CFS/ME, pacing, sleep, stress and set backs. Reaction to the service from group members who have attended has been very positive and it is hoped many more group members will ask their GPs to refer them. Consultant clinical psychologist Dave Riley and (then) assistant psychologist Tessa Franken gave a presentation to our group meeting on 27th September 2006 and an audio CD recording of their talk is available in the group library or from Jeanette on 01254 884250.