1 in 3 ME sufferers have no access to local specialist services

One in three severely affected adults with ME, otherwise known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), have no access to local specialist services, say researchers at the University of Southampton.

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Lack of support for ME sufferers makes life even harder

Video. One third of those affected by the condition ME, or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, have no access to specialist care. This worrying statistic has come to light through a new study by the University of Southampton.

Experts say the illness still isn't being taken seriously. One sufferer says the lack of support makes living with ME even harder for him.

Sally Simmonds spoke to Tim Reynolds, who has ME, Clare McDermott, Research Fellow at the University of Southampton and Mary-Jane Willows from the Association of Young People with ME.

For further help, support and information on ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, click below to visit the websites:

The Association of Young People with ME

ME Association

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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ME sufferers aren't getting local specialist services

One in three adults with severe M.E. has no access to local specialist services according to researchers at the University of Southampton.

They say a third of the units dedicated to patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome nationwide, aren't providing the care that's recommended for housebound patients, primarily due to a lack of funding.

It's estimated around 250,000 people in the UK have the condition.

Clare McDermott who led the study said:

People with ME should be able to seek the advice of a specialist service close to their homes. We were surprised by the lack of services and access to services that our survey revealed. Even if the local Trust provides a service, some housebound patients will never get to use it. Many, very ill patients are going without."

– Clare McDermott, NIHR School for Primary Care Research funded Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Southampton,
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