I had been diagnosed with M.E in May 1988, but asked for referral after we moved to Dorset. I had hoped for ongoing monitoring & support as my M.E is progressive. But they seemed very surprised to see me and could only offer standard group or individual short term OT, and some advice on pain medication from GP with Special Interest. Dr Richards himself very keen on PACE trial GET and CBT.

They weren't going to accept me as I have C- PTSD. So I didnt feel able to be honest. Which made it pointless. The phone consultations were frustrating too, so I left the service.

During initial consultation with Dr Richards, got impression that if fibromyalgia wasn’t diagnosed, then all that was on offer was OT. No other diagnostic testing, such as functional medicine testing, ie. Immune, Endocrine or Nervous systems was on offer. On asking, the response was “Well, what do you think is wrong with you?”. I felt crushed. Had 8 sessions OT and that was very helpful.

It would be zero! I was refused twice, self referral & my GP. Dr Richards dx fibromyalgia 2012 & refused to dx me with ME/CFS bc “I don’t give out two dx” he said! Now bed bound with severe ME & LC!

A rheumatology consultant diagnosed ME/CFS but didn't refer me to Dorset CFS/ME. My GP subsequently refused to refer me having said I "looked well" and seemed to be managing.

I was refused a consultation despite me being referred by my GP and already diagnosed with CFS, due to the fact that I also have fibromyalgia.

Dr Richard’s,at my 1st appointment showed a remarkable lack of understanding, did not follow NICE guidelines, gave outdated advice re excecise (do Tai Chi)and dismissed HR monitoring. OT was better.