(This is from ‘ME Support Norfolk’ August newsletter)
Progress to date
A process has been adopted to ensure that patients or service users
and their carers are provided with an opportunity to shape the
development of the M.E. and CFS service in Norfolk and Suffolk
through co-producing key documents.
A Needs Assessment for Norfolk and Suffolk was produced by a
Public Health Consultant following an extensive literature review and
detailed discussions with local service users and their carers. This
Needs Assessment has formed the foundation for the establishment
of a new service specification.
The new service specification is predicated on a consultant-led
biomedical approach.
Separate pathways have been established for M.E. and CFS based on
different criteria. Diagnosis and management of M.E. and CFS will be separate.
This specification has been agreed in principle by the CCG-led
Norfolk community collaborative commissioning group.
Next steps
The specification needs to be further validated by experienced
costs for the new service specification will have to be developed and
reviewed by CCGs.
A new Steering Group, supported by a wider Reference Group, is to
be established to ensure that the voices of patients, carers and
healthcare professionals can be heard.
An appropriate procurement process will be undertaken to secure
the agreed service.
NHS Anglia Commissioning Support Unit, on behalf of:
Norfolk and Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Groups