On 26th March, the Health and Social Care team met with the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB) residents to continue discussions on the development of a local service for ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and Long Covid (LC), which effectively meets the needs of local patients.
The group identified the key healthcare professional roles needed for a successful ME/CFS and LC service. For example, specialist nurses were highlighted as a vital part of the multi-disciplinary team, and there was a recommendation to incorporate domiciliary care into the service. The group also discussed challenges and strategies for integrating services for ME/CFS and LC, acknowledging the significant overlap in the types of specialist care that could benefit patients with these conditions. This feedback obtained from the working group will be analysed thematically and shared with the ICB and other relevant stakeholders who have the potential to influence care within BOB for ME/CFS and LC.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 23rd April 2025, 1:30—2:30 p.m. It will focus on ensuring services are tailored to meet the needs of those most severely impacted by ME/CFS and LC and on ways in which carers can be better supported.
Patients and carers with experience of ME/CFS and Long Covid services in the BOB ICB area are encouraged to sign up here to join future working group meetings.