Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Service

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
CFS is a condition where chronic fatigue is not, much relieved by rest. It affects daily functioning and may also trigger joint pains, mood and sleep disturbance, concentration difficulties, headaches, intestinal and urinary symptoms.
The CFS team
The specialist team consists of:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist
- Dietitian
What are the aims of the CFS service?
The aims of the service are to:
- Help you understand your condition
- Enable you to develop helpful coping strategies to manage symptoms
- Reduce distress and disability
- Improve your quality of life
We use a holistic approach, meaning that we look at the physical and the psychological aspects of the illness.
What should I expect when I come to the clinic?
You will be seen by a doctor who will make a detailed clinical assessment. Your doctor may do some blood tests to exclude other possible causes of fatigue and associated symptoms, and review any medicines you are currently taking.

Other members of the team will treat you. They will plan a personal programme for you. This may be one to one or you could be part of a small group. The plan may include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Activity Management Therapy
- Graded Exercise Therapy
- Stress Management
- Relaxation Techniques
- Sleep Management
- Dietary Advice
The doctor may see you for follow-up appointments during the programme to review any change in medication, and for final review once treatment is completed.
Your appointment
If you are unable to attend your appointment please let us know at least 48 hours beforehand so we can offer your appointment to someone else. If you do not attend your appointment without telling us we may refer you back to your GP.
Following your treatment you will be referred back to your GP.
Professional education and training
The RLHIM is also a teaching hospital and from time to time other healthcare professionals may observe in outpatient clinics as part of a training course. We will always ask your permission for students to sit in during your consultation. You do not have to have students present if you would prefer not to.