Information for Referrers
As referrals are increasing and becoming more complex and our waiting times are longer than usual. Therefore we ask that any conditions that have symptoms which may mirror those of ME/CFS, such as fibromyalgia, long covid and primary sleep disorders such as aleep apnoea are explored, ruled out or adequately treated BEFORE referral into the service.
Currently around 40% of patients who are assessed are discharged following assessment as they do not have the typical diagnostic patterns of ME/CFS and are found to have other conditions.
We are not able to request investigations, so it is important that all tests are completed prior to referral. Our referral form lists the minimum required blood tests, but other tests may be needed depending on symptoms.
We will reject referrals where:
- all required tests have not been completed
- abnormalities in test results have not been addressed
- all the required information has not been supplied
- it is unlikely the criteria for a diagnosis of ME/CFS would be met
If symptom onset coincides with suspected covid-19 infection, please consider referral to a long covid service.
We have limited medical provision and are not a prescribing service, so any recommendations or suggestions in relation to prescribing will be communicated to the referring GP.
Our current approximate wait times are as follows:
| Introductory Workshop | Offered within 6 weeks of accepted referral |
| Assessment (Medical and Therapy) | Approx 30 weeks |
| Therapy Groups | Approx 20 weeks |
We are monitoring wait times and despite them being higher than usual due to reasons stated above, we are constantly reviewing and identifying ways in which we can improve.
Further guidance on the diagnosis of ME/CFS and the required investigations is available in the BACME Primary Care Guide to ME/CFS and on our Referral form.
The NHS England e learning module on ME/CFS was launched in 2024. The links below are for the general learning programme aimed at anyone with an interest. Registration is needed to complete the training, however this is free of charge.:
https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/mecfs-elearning/ for full programme page
https://learninghub.nhs.uk/catalogue/mecfselearning for a more direct link
