Island's ME/CFS and Long Covid service officially launched

ME Association in UK describes effort as virtually 'unparalleled'

ME Support Isle of Man says it’s ‘proud’ to be working alongside Manx Care to deliver a new ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long Covid service.

It was officially launched today (3 April).

The charity says its ‘persistence over many decades’ will help transform the advice given to hundreds of residents who suffer with the conditions.

Chair Juan Corlett said : “We are very grateful to local team and UK based experts for their input towards the service.

“While it is important to remember that the new service will not cure patients it does represent a huge step in the right direction and one that has been over 30 years in the making since ME Support (IOM) was started by Barbara and Robin Proctor.

“Severe cases can leave individuals unable to work for a long period and in some cases it is doubtful if they will ever be able to return to meaningful work.

“The estimated average annual cost of social security benefits and lost tax and NI revenue of each severe case of ME or long Covid is in the region of £20,000.

“The figure will be even higher when including the economic impact of family members who become carers, the cost health and social care and the wider ripple effects to society.”

UK counterpart the ME Association has recognised the hard work of the ME and CFS community on the Island as ‘inspirational’ says the collaborative working is an ‘example to others’.

Russell Fleming, the head of communications, said: “We would like to praise the commitment of ME Support (IOM) and its patient volunteers.

“Without their dedication and hard work, the ME/CFS and Long Covid specialist service would not be launching today.

“We’d also like to thank the Manx Government and the ME/CFS specialists working for the NHS in the UK who gave their professional time to advise on this project.

“It has been a privilege to work with them all and we are incredibly heartened at the developments now taking place.

“The alignment of priorities by patient volunteers, carers, specialist clinicians, specialist medics, management, commissioners and politicians seen on the Isle of Man is virtually unparalleled.”