Department of Health responds to loss of ME services

A statement has been issued after support services ceased this month

A statement has been issued by the Department of Health and Social Care after the loss of Island ME support services.

The department therapies manager will meet with ME Support IOM to discuss alternatives going forward.

A steering group is currently offered by the department and the Island now has its first GP Champion for ME.

Physiotherapy services ceased from the beginning of May.

The statement explains the service stopped when a physiotherapist went on leave and a suitable replacement wasn't found.

It says physiotherapy and occupational therapy are different disciplines and one staff member can't provide both.

The department says it's always working to develop ME services and provide the best services for people in the Isle of Man.

It says the provision of specialised services poses long term challenges for "a small Island-based community" and that's the case here.

No one from the department has agreed to be interviewed at this time.