Oxfordshire Community CFS/ME Team (OCCMET)

Important information:

From 1 April 2011 Community Health Oxfordshire (CHO) integrates with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. Information regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Service has now moved across to Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust’s website and can be found here.

This page will be removed from NHS Oxfordshire’s website on 3 May 2011. Therefore please ensure that any bookmarks you have made to this page are updated.

What is CFS/ME?

Often known as ‘ME’, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalopathy (CFS / ME) is a relatively common condition which can cause profound, often prolonged illness and disability. It can have substantial impact on a person and their family.

It is a chronic condition that can affect many of the body’s systems and functions. Feeling extremely fatigued most of the time is one of the main symptoms. This feels very different from ordinary tiredness and it is not alleviated just by rest. Simple mental or physical tasks can leave the person feeling exhausted or struggling to function.

Other symptoms vary from person to person and include:

feeling ill or flu-like, with swollen glands and sore throat
pain
sleep disturbance
digestive problems
memory and/or concentration difficulties
sensitivity to light and sound

How is CFS/ME managed in Oxfordshire?

GPs will generally make a diagnosis, although sometimes they will request a specialist opinion. They may give management advice themselves for people with mild to moderate presentations of the condition. They can refer to a specialist clinic at the John Radcliffe Hospital for confirmation of diagnosis and for general management advice, or to OCCMET for those who require home visits.

Consultant physicians at the specialist clinic can refer on to other treatment options available at the John Radcliffe hospital for those who can manage to attend clinic appointments.

Who does OCCMET provide for?

Oxfordshire Community CFS / ME Team (OCCMET) provides a service for people with CFS / ME, their families and/or carers. It is for adults and young people over fourteen years old, who have an Oxfordshire GP. It is predominantly for people who are moderately or severely affected and for those who cannot access the clinic provisions at the John Radcliffe Hospital. OCCMET mostly visits people in their homes.

The team also acts as a specialist resource to other professionals in health care, social and community care, education and workplaces.

What does the service provide?

OCCMET provides a multi-professional approach in assisting people to learn about managing their condition, with a view to reducing fatigue and gradually increasing energy levels. An individual plan is decided jointly between a team member and each patient, based on working towards small targets that the patient identifies as personally significant goals. Support (through review and discussion) is offered on the most helpful ways for the patient to achieve and sustain these targets. A flexible, problem solving approach is used.

OCCMET’s GP can make a home visit to people unable to attend clinic appointments, to confirm a correct diagnosis where this has not already been made.