Campaigners have raised concerns over the lack of services for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) in Scotland following the death of the country’s only specialist nurse. Keith Anderson, based in Fife, was the only expert in the field in the country, and the service has been suspended since his death in 2021. The charity ME Action has said that Scotland now only has “pockets of provision” based on “outdated” models of care. The Scottish government has claimed that it is committed to creating a more equitable service for those suffering from the condition.
ME is also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and causes extreme tiredness which can leave sufferers bedbound for months or even years. ME Action estimates that the number of people with ME in Scotland has more doubled since 2019, from around 22,000 to over 50,000 cases now. The Covid-19 pandemic has also seen a rise in cases of post-viral illnesses, such as ME, which have similar symptoms.
Stella, from Tayport, said that Keith Anderson’s help made her day-to-day life more manageable. The 72-year-old had been active and enjoyed doing yoga and looking after her grandchildren before experiencing ME symptoms in 2020. Her self-diagnosis was confirmed by Anderson after she had been bedbound for over a year and had received “absolutely no help.” Since Anderson’s death, Stella claims there is “absolutely nothing.”
Dr Charles Shepherd, a specialist in the condition who also works with the ME Association, has said that the specialist provisions for ME in Scotland have been in decline for years and Anderson’s death has left the service “at rock bottom.” Although GPs are able to diagnose the condition, they often lack training, which has led to delays. The Scottish government has acknowledged that “despite a growing recognition of the need for specialist ME/CFS services, actual implementation has been minimal.” Meanwhile, GPs are heavily relied upon for referrals in Scotland
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More