Hereford and Worcestershire ME/CFS Service
Address & Contact
Malvern Community Hospital
185 Worcester Road
Malvern
WR14 1EX
01684 612671
Website
Email: whcnhs.chronicfatigue@nhs.net
- We are a specialist part-time service that delivers support and treatment to people over the age of 18 with ME/CFS within community settings across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
- ME/CFS is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptom is debilitating fatigue, worsened by activity and not adequately relieved by rest.
- ME/CFS is a fluctuating condition that affects everyone differently, and symptoms and their severity can change over a day, week or longer. It varies in long-term outlook from person to person – although a proportion of people recover or have a long period of remission, many will need to adapt to living with ME/CFS.
- The impact that symptoms have on each person’s life varies but can generally be improved with the use of self-management strategies, support and advice. Relapses and flare-ups are not uncommon but with experience and awareness, these can be managed to reduce the impact they have on daily life.
- As we have found that virtual appointments (via video call) are beneficial in helping people manage their fatigue, the majority of our interventions are now offered in this way. If, however, you would prefer a telephone call or face-to-face appointment, please let us know as this can be arranged.
- As a service we aim to maximise functional independence by promoting self-management, with the overall aim of enhancing the individual's quality of life.
- Once a referral has been accepted, all patients are invited to attend an initial assessment. This is a chance for us to introduce our service and what we can offer, find out more about the person’s symptoms and how they affect daily life, and to provide some basic information about the condition.
- A personalised care and support plan will be agreed in collaboration with the therapist and patient. A family member or friend is also welcome to attend this appointment.
- The main aspect of our treatment is our Lifestyle Management group programme, held over 9 sessions. It offers patients the opportunity to learn more about the ways in which they can manage their condition, with the aim of improving functional independence and quality of life.