South Cumbria Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Service (CFS)
Referral Criteria
You can be referred to this service if:
- You live in South Cumbria - this is part of our wider South Locality Service.
- You have a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)/ME.
Your GP or health professional can refer you to this service. If you are a health professional and unsure and would like to discuss a case with one of our team, click here for our duty consultation contact number. You can book an appointment to speak to us for further advice (this is not for patients - potential patients should speak to their GP/health team)
Who are we and what do we do?
We are a team of Physiotherapists and Psychological Practitioners. We run a group programme to support you to manage your chronic fatigue symptoms. The group takes place in these three areas:
- Ulverston
- Barrow-in-Furness
- Kendal
The aim of the group is to give you a better understanding of your physical symptoms and mood, and to learn different ways to cope with these.
What to expect if you come to see us?
You will be sent a letter to say that you have been accepted by the service and placed on a waiting list for an assessment appointment.
You will then be sent an appointment letter to come for an assessment by the Physiotherapist and Psychologist to discuss the group programme with you and answer any questions you may have.
If you decide that you would like to come to the group, you will be expected to come to all of the 8 group sessions over a 3 month period, with a final group review around 3 months later. The sessions last 2 ½ hours and take place on Fridays.
The group sessions will involve:
- Teaching and education
- Group discussion
- Some ‘homework’
Confidentiality
Details of your sessions are put on your medical record, but you can tell us if you do not feel ok with anything being shared with your GP or other members of your care team.
We will only talk about you outside the team when you give permission, or if we think you are at risk of harm and we need to protect you or others.
We will keep your GP and/ or consultant up to date by sending letters about your appointments so they know how you are and what you are currently working on – you will also get a copy of these letters.
Why this approach?
We use an approach that looks at you as a whole person: your physical symptoms as well as your mood and what is important to you. Our resources on the biopsychosocial model and mind-body link may help you to understand why we take this approach. The approach is supported by government guidelines, our experience, and the feedback from previous group members.
What do our patients say?
“You are not alone”
“Acceptance is the only way forward”
“Let go of everything that is unimportant”
“Don’t knock it until you have tried it”
“My name is G and I’m now managing my CFS”
“It has made a huge difference in my mind-set”
“It was a group of people who all got it”
“I was able to talk openly”
“I am now feeling happy and upbeat”