Access to care and support

1.8 Access to care and support

Also see the section on care for people with severe or very severe ME/CFS.

1.8.1 Health and social care organisations should ensure that people with ME/CFS can use their services by:

• adapting the timing, length and frequency of all appointments to the person's needs
• taking into account physical accessibility, such as how far the person has to travel, whether there is suitable transport and parking, and where rooms are for appointments
• taking into account sensitivities to light, sound, touch, pain, temperature extremes or smells
• providing care flexibly to the person's needs, such as by online or phone consultations or making home visits.

1.8.2 If a person with ME/CFS misses an appointment:

• do not discharge them for not attending because it could be due to their symptoms worsening
• discuss why they could not attend and how the multidisciplinary team can support them.

1.8.3Be aware that people with ME/CFS are unlikely to be seen at their worst because:

• debilitating symptoms or the risk that their symptoms will worsen may prevent people from leaving their home
• cognitive difficulties may often mean people wait until they feel they can speak and explain clearly before contacting services.