ME recognition & care 'lacking'

The Welsh Government says "progress has not been universal across Wales" since it published a care strategy for the treatment of patients with ME in 2011.

"We have a growing recognition and a growing investment in conditions such as Alzheimer's, but conditions such as ME are not so readily recognised or invested in" says Ana Palazon, Chair of the Wales Neurological Alliance.

"We want parity and equity of recognition and services for all conditions."

The charity The Welsh Association of ME & CFS Support says there are an estimated 12,000 people in Wales, making it the most common neurological condition.

• ME – Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - is a condition which affects the brain
• There is no agreement over what to call it - it is often referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• There is currently no single identifiable cause

• Symptoms fluctuate - they are varied, and worse after physical and mental exertion
• A small percentage of people make a complete recovery over time
• There is currently no cure

It is currently ME Awareness Week.

The Welsh Association of ME & CFS Support has more information on the condition

People with the neurological condition ME say there are no specialist services for them in Wales, and they have found found a lack of sympathy or knowledge in the NHS and social services here.

Michelle Penny is 28 and from Dinas Powys in the Vale of Glamorgan.

She describes how her "day-to-day life is really difficult", and that she has been "pushed to the back and ignored".