The MEA Healthcare Team has continued to raise concerns with NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) following the closure of specialist ME/CFS and Long Covid services in the area. We share below their most recent response.
In summary, the ICB is scoping a new cluster-wide ME/CFS service with Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB, with the ambition of launching it in autumn 2027. This remains subject to further scoping, stakeholder engagement and approval, leaving a long gap in specialist provision.
We have written to all local MPs about the delay and the need for appropriate support in the meantime. We have also contacted the Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB lead for clarification on the proposed joint arrangements.
The ICB has acknowledged that it cannot currently identify people with ME/CFS in its data. It has agreed to share the SNOMED CT codes supplied by the Healthcare Team with GP practices across the ICB. More accurate recording should help establish local need and inform future service planning.
We will continue to press for appropriate care for people with ME/CFS and Long Covid while plans for a new service develop, particularly for those with severe or very severe ME/CFS.
Read the ICB Chief Executive’s response, shared with their permission: