In Summer 2004 funds from the Department of Health were allocated to the North of Tyne, and the County Durham and Darlington areas to establish Local Multi-Disciplinary Teams to deliver clinical services for people with CFS/ME. These two areas were in the first round of successful bids and it was anticipated that plans would be put in place to have services operating in late 2004.

A series of set-backs have delayed the start of services, despite the commitment from several of the lead players on the steering groups. Lead clinicians from both areas have now started to see patients, and therapy posts to make up the multi-disciplinary teams are currently being advertised. It is hoped that therapy sessions will start in June/July 2005.

The meeting on Saturday 7th May will be your opportunity to speak to lead health professionals and have your say as to how the clinics should operate. Many of you participated in our survey last year which clearly showed your priorities were: the training of GP’s, a multi-disciplinary approach to care and that local services were needed.

Dr Gavin Spickett lead clinician for the North of Tyne (Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland) and Dr Keith Linsley lead clinician for County Durham and Darlington will be speaking, and Louise Wilson the recently appointed Clinical Coordinator for the region will also be available. Dr Spickett is also the Clinical Champion for the North East Region. Consultation on services for the South of Tyne will be held at a later date.

We can accommodate up to 100 delegates, so please ring and book your seat as soon as possible. We hope you can come along and look forward to seeing you. Call 0191 3892222 to reserve yur place