Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ME/CFS Team

Welcome to our service

Our team is made up of a variety of NHS staff with specific training and qualifications to support the health needs of children and young people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). In our team we have an Administrator, Occupational Therapists, Paediatrician and Physiotherapists.

• How we work

  The Chronic Fatigue Team offers diagnosis for children and young people. We help with the day-to-day management of ME/CFS for children and young people. We also also support children and young people with the diagnosis and management of long COVID.

  We offer ongoing therapist led clinic appointments and support. Where required, we can hold these appointments virtually or over the phone. We run an online activity management workshop for young people and parents of young people with ME/CFS and long COVID.

  Our team follows the NICE guidelines for all our treatment. Visit the NICE guidelines on ME/CFS.

• Understanding Myalgic Encephalopathy Myelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  Myalgic Encephalopathy Myelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long term illness with a wide range of symptoms. The main symptom of ME/CFS is extreme fatigue that remains after rest or sleep.

  ME/CFS is diagnosed by ruling out other causes of fatigue and other related symptoms. It cannot be diagnosed by test.

  Every child and young person is unique and may have a different combination of symptoms. For example, some may find mental activities more tiring than physical activities. 

  Research shows that children and young people with ME/CFS can improve with support. Although recovery can be slow.

• Who you will see and speak to

  • Administrator is a very skilled NHS professional that will provide all the organisational support for the clinical team. They are also the friendly voices at the other end of the phone when contacting the service.
  • Occupational therapists help children and young people to participate, learn and develop independence in activities of daily living. Our intervention is unique to each individual child’s needs and can include teaching new skills and techniques, recommending different ways of completing tasks, adapting the environment or assessing for suitable equipment to support function.
  • Paediatrician assesses and diagnoses children and young people with developmental difficulties, hearing disabilities and complex disabilities. They work with education professionals and other professionals to support children with additional needs in education.
  • Physiotherapists work with children, young people, their family and others supporting them to maximise their level of physical functioning. Working primarily out of clinic settings. Where appropriate, we will visit schools and home to do specific pieces of work such as setting up equipment or training of school staff to undertake therapy programmes. 

• Where we work

  We work in the community across the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. We also accept out of area referrals. We also work remotely using video and telephone appointments where required.

  We hold an afternoon clinic 3 times a month. These clinics will be at either The Peacock Centre, Cambridge or Oak Tree Centre, Huntingdon. We offer support to schools and home visits where necessary.