We have been aware of the Leeds Clinic for some time and arranged a visit to see first hand what services they had to offer. We are presently working with ME Support in Cleveland and the local Primary Care Trust in this area are showing a degree of interest in what services are needed.

Jean Franklin of (ME Support in Cleveland) and myself visited the Leeds Clinic on Thursday 13th February, We were met by Miranda Thew, Clinical Team Leader and Senior Occupational Therapist. We were made very welcome and Miranda spent over 2 hours describing the work of the service and it was obvious her commitment, dedication, empathy and genuine understanding of the needs of her patients was total.

The Leeds Clinic was first established in 1991 aimed to provide a multi disciplinary approach to the assessment and treatment of CFS. The services recognised and acknowledged that sufferers of CFS experienced a combination of both physical and psychological symptoms, which are most effectively addressed by a holistic approach of therapies.

The service has developed significantly in the last 2 years, a dedicated facility is operating with offices and treatment rooms within the Seacroft Hospital in Leeds. The dedicated medical staff include:

The majority of referrals are from Leeds and surrounding Yorkshire area. However, a small number are referred from Cleveland. Patient referrals are currently around 50 per month and with a recent review in working practices waiting times have reduced to: 12 weeks for a medical consultation and 8 weeks for therapy triage.

The service provides carers and user workshops and is in close liaison with local user groups particularly The Leeds ME Support Group, who Miranda speaks highly of. She applauded their success as patient representatives lobbying service providers to continue to resource the Clinic.

The Leeds Clinic has something to offer sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Their reputation stands by the endorsement of their patients. Miranda has seen some 2000 patients over the years and has many success stories and thank-you’s. It could be something that would suit you.
I acknowledge it isn't for everyone, ME affects every single person individually. The clinic accepts GP referrals, it will and does take referrals out of the area.

We brought back a sense of optimism that yes this something that could benefit some people, that it is probably most suited to the moderate sufferer although from the testimonials we heard it has proved successful for many, including the severely affected.

Whilst we’re happy to pass on what we know about this service, more importantly we now have a better understanding of how such a clinic can operate, running costs, staffing levels and take up rates. We will be using this to negotiate with our Primary Care Trusts for the future of service delivery in the North East.

We outline below the treatment approaches and interventions offered at The Leeds Fatigue Service Clinic.

The treatment approach in Leeds uses a combination of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. A vast amount of research has demonstrated the effectiveness of using a pragmatic approach to treatment with the main focus on enabling the sufferer to manage his or her own illness. At the moment they offer; on an outpatient basis Brief Advice, up to 3 individual therapy sessions. Individual Therapy, up to 6 one to one sessions plus one Group Therapy: weekly 8 session course (follow up session after 3 months. A limited in patient provision is available (presently only 2 beds).

Therapeutic interventions offered by The Leeds CFS Service

Assessment

During the assessment, a detailed description of the patient’s presenting problems and how the symptoms of CFS effect their ability to function is collected using standardised assessment tolls such as the Functional Limitations Profile (FLP) (Charlton, Patrick and Peach 1983). A decision is then made regarding appropriate treatment and management approaches. The GP or referring Consultant is informed in writing of the outcome of the assessment.

Individual Therapy

This involves up to six one to one sessions, to teach coping strategies to manage fatigue, including grading and pacing of activities of daily living, building activity tolerance, possible anxiety management strategies and methods to aid poor concentration.

Group Therapy

This is a weekly, eight session course, which helps patients to learn strategies and methods to manage their fatigue problems more effectively. The course involves grading activity, pacing, anxiety management, assertive techniques and goal setting. Patients attend for eight weeks than a follow up session (three months later). They are encouraged to socialise with members of the group, if they wish.

Brief Advice

This is brief individual therapy sessions, (up to three sessions) which help patients consolidate and validate the methods they are already using to manage energy and fatigue, but also helps people to set goals for the long term management as well as teaching the concept of grading and pacing of activities of daily life. (commenced November 2001).

Inpatient Services

The Clinic does have the use of two beds for inpatients, These are used for the more severe cases requiring comprehensive assessment. Follow up care has been provided to these patients within the locality or those who are subsequently able to travel to the Seacroft Hospital.