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2mo ago

UK Unveils ME/CFS Delivery Plan to Expand Community Care and Research

It includes NHS training modules with up to £200,000 NIHR research grants, prompting calls from charities for a dedicated treatment hub.

Image: © mixetto| iStock
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Sonya Chowdhury, chief executive of Action for ME, with her son Danny, who has the illness. She said the plan was a “good start”, but did not go far enough
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Overview

  • The Department of Health and Social Care published the final ME/CFS delivery plan on July 22, pledging community-based neighbourhood services to improve access for patients closer to home.
  • Medical students and NHS staff will be offered new training modules to enhance diagnosis, management and reduce stigma around ME/CFS.
  • The National Institute for Health and Care Research has opened applications for grants of up to £200,000 per project to support treatment-focused ME/CFS studies.
  • The plan commits to exploring a specialised NHS service for people with severe ME/CFS, though its rollout depends on further funding approval.
  • Charities including Action for ME welcomed the announcement but warned that without a funded research hub and new specialist services, systemic gaps highlighted by Maeve Boothby-O’Neill’s inquest will remain unaddressed.