Contact: Mike Houghton, telephone 01244 378276 or e-mail Mike@chestermesh.org.uk

A refreshing changeÉ A NHS Clinic that listens to its patients

At our November meeting we were joined by Stuart Paynter (Psychologist) and Eric Beckett (GP). Together with a physiotherapist and a dietician they run a NHS-funded multi­disciplinary clinic based in Connahs Quay for those with ME.

Chester MESH members were very impressed by the approach of the speakers who were very respectful of the experience and challenges of those with ME. The clinic offers an eight week programme of two-hourly group sessions. Referrals are made by GP’s and each patient referred has a meeting with the team where they are asked about their illness and the diagnosis is confirmed. Should there be a suggestion that further tests (to rule out other conditions) are appropriate, the GP will be contacted by the clinic.

Over the eight week course a range of topics are discussed such as sleep, diet, memory loss, stress, pain management and relaxation. Stuart and Eric stressed that all the members of the team felt they were learning about the condition all the time from patients. They also seek to encourage people to manage their illness in a way that is individually tailored as they recognise the huge range in symptoms in the condition. The clinic does not advocate graded exercise or cognitive behaviour therapy. They do not feel there is sufficient evidence that there are effective ‘treatments’. They also feel that while there is no ‘magic bullet’ cure, and that pacing yourself and managing the various aspects of the illness (especially not overdoing it) can lead to improvement.

This holistic approach was very refreshing and it was very encouraging to hear how sympathetic the members of the team are. As Stuart said loss is a key factor in this illness where we have to cope with such huge changes in lifestyle. There is a need to re-invent yourself and experiencing the support of a group with advice on ways of managing can mean that this process is much less isolating. Although their time is limited (half a day per week) the team hope to undertake educational work with GP’s in the future. The clinic’s work is being assessed and researched by Bangor University. Each participant is followed up at three, six and twelve months after attending. Feedback suggests that the course is a positive experience, giving people hope and encouragement.

It was very refreshing to hear of a patient-centred approach being provided within the NHS. We hope this clinic may be a blueprint for others in the region.

A Clinic for Chester & Wirral?

Barbara Turnbull, who runs an ME support group in north Wales, attended the November meeting and was able to share with us the details of her campaign that lead to the Connahs Quay Clinic being set up. Barbara enlisted the support of local MP’s, raised a big petition and liaised closely with Westcare - an independent charity which offers a similar style of clinic near Bristol. A cost-benefit analysis and a survey of local GP’s asking if they would consider referring to such a clinic were presented to the local health authority. The clinic began after it was given the backing of the Director of Patient Care and has been running for approximately eighteen months.

Could Chester MESH campaign for a similar clinic? Already one of our members has made contact with the Community Health team at Clatterbridge Hospital who have expressed interest in the approach. We have been asked to consider making a presentation in March to a committee of GP’s who could offer some advice. Watch this space, as we may be asking you to join a campaign, write to your MP etc. Exciting times!!!

Whilst all statements are given in good faith they are for information only. Any mention of treatments or products does not imply that they have been tested or endorsed by Chester MESH