How we can help ME sufferers in north Essex
12:24pm Tuesday 23rd June 2009 in
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I read with interest the published letter “spreading the world about ME” by Dr J H Greensmith.
I feel I should respond as I am sure, if Dr Greensmith was a practising medical physician, he would be very aware that the information contained in his letter gives only a partial account of the illness ME, which is more commonly referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome.
The “best medical attention” is not “sympton relief ” from a GP, but referral for specialist care – and Colchester is fortunate to have a specialist service available on the NHS, where a patient can be referred by their GP for a proper assessment and treatment.
The Essex CFS/ME service is based at Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (tel 01702 385247) and serves the whole of Essex, with a dedicated clinic in Colchester itself.
The clinic follows the guidelines published in 2007 by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence, which can be viewed at
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG53).
These guidelines recommend rehabilitation therapies to help patients recover their health, along with specialist medical care.
We are pleased to say we can help the majority of patients whom we see, using an integrated, holistic approach provided by a team of therapists and a consultant physician working closely together. Some patients make a complete recovery, which is better news for patients than just symptom relief, as outlined by Dr Greensmith in the Gazette.
The Essex CFS/ME patient representative rep for the Colchester area is Vivienne Mills.
Vivienne can be called on 07554 459246 and would be happy to take calls and give advice on how to access the service.
I hope this information is helpful to the readers of the Gazette.
Noreen Buckley
Essex CFS/ME Service
Deputy Director of Rehabilitation,
Southend University Hospital
Prittlewell Chase
Westcliff