Referral to specialist chronic fatigue services

For the treatment of

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)

Commissioning position

The recommendation is for this policy to retire.

NICE guidance states that referral should be made to a specialist CFS service if the diagnostic criteria are met, symptoms have persisted for at least 3 months and are not explained by another condition. Any other details would be most appropriately addressed by a clinical pathway (if required) rather than an intervention policy.

Summary of rationale

Reflecting the common theme across the evidence about a lack of knowledge of ME/CFS and evidence that non-specialists in ME/CFS are not confident about diagnosing and managing ME/CFS, the NICE (National Institue of Clinical Excellence) committee recommended referring people with ME/CFS to an ME/CFS specialist team at 3 months to confirm their diagnosis and develop a care and support plan. agreed that the key to managing ME/CFS symptoms successfully is having a collaborative personalised care and support plan. This should be developed based on a holistic assessment as soon as the person's diagnosis is confirmed.

References

https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/tiredness-fatigue-in-adults/

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng206/

Associated Pathways

CDC Coeliac (NL & NEL) Humber Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Humber Coeliac Disease Humber

Specialties

Neurology York Neurology North Yorkshire Neurology and Neurosurgery Hull Neurology and Neurosurgery East Riding Neurology and Neurosurgery North Lincolnshire Neurology and Neurosurgery North East Lincolnshire

Places covered by

  • East Riding
  • Hull
  • North East Lincolnshire
  • North Lincolnshire
  • North Yorkshire
  • Vale of York
Date created: 21/08/2025, 09:58
Last modified: 26/08/2025, 13:03
Date of review: 31/10/2027