ABUHB plans to implement ME/CFS NICE guideline
WAMES has been asking Health Boards in Wales what plans they have to implement NICE guidelines, whether they intend to consult with patients and how they think their long COVID service might benefit people with ME.
ABUHB’s Interim Chief Executive Glyn Jones shares their plans for improved care for ME with WAMES:
“Thank you for your email and questions about our plans for pathways for people with ME/CFS, particularly in light of the NICE Guidance and learning from Long Covid. I would like to assure you that I understand and share your hope that these lead to service improvements for people with ME/CFS.
We are planning a process of engagement across the Health Board, reviewing our existing services and conducting a gap analysis. We will establish a NICE implementation group to develop a shared pathway which will report to our Clinical Standards and Effectiveness Group. The proposed timescale is to begin dissemination of the NICE Guidance in July 2022 with the Implementation Group meeting in the autumn.
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board covers the areas of Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen and South Powys. [ABUHB]
I would like to reassure you that our specialist staff take the issue of energy management and symptom exacerbation very seriously. A common difficulty is people pushing themselves too hard, trying to force their recovery and causing increased fatigue and setbacks. Our Post COVID Recovery Team for example, is careful to offer individualised interventions with a bespoke plan for each patient to help them to live as well as possible within the very real limits caused by their condition. Part of our larger project will be sharing best evidence based practice in chronic fatigue across the Health Board.
We have ambitious aims to improve pathways from accurate diagnosis, through to rehabilitation and access to in and out of work benefits.
I trust this information is of assistance. Kind regards
Glyn Jones, Prif Weithredwr Dros Dro/ Interim Chief Executive
Bwrdd Iechyd Aneurin Bevan Pencadlys/ Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
ABUHB operates across Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Newport, Torfaen, South Powys and Monmouthshire. [ABUHB]
“The Health Board places a strong commitment on listening to and acting on the views of citizens in Gwent…. Find out more from our Engagement Team Tel: 01633 431890 Email: engagement.abb@wales.nhs.uk”
Post-COVID recovery information on ABUHB’s website
WAMES would like to hear from anyone with ME/CFS living in the ABUHB area about the service they have received since the publication of the revised ME/CFS NICE guideline in October 2021, so we can continue to work towards improving those services. #ImplementNICEmecfs Contact jan@wames.org.uk
Read what other Health Boards say: Betsi Cadwaladr; Cardiff; Cwm Taf; Powys; Swansea Bay.
NICE has today,
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The chances are high that you know someone with a post-viral illness. Pre-pandemic an estimated 
COVID is also a trigger for ME/CFS. 
Action 2: We need to reach the people with power to make difference – that means healthcare professionals and politicians.
Participants were self-selected with recruitment via social media. Inclusion criteria were aged 18 years or over and reported diagnosis of ME/CFS by health professional. 1418 people with ME/CFS and their 1418 family members from 30 countries participated in the survey.
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