OneMedicine | Private GP Clinic | Birmingham
At OneMedicine, we’re a doctor-led private GP clinic based in central Birmingham, offering expert medical care tailored to complex and long-term conditions. We support patients with persistent fatigue, unexplained symptoms, and post-viral syndromes – including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).
This debilitating condition affects around 390,000 people in the UK. We believe patients deserve to be listened to, understood, and offered personalised care, especially as national efforts to improve recognition and treatment continue to build momentum.
What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) – is a long-term neurological condition marked by profound, unexplained fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest and worsens with activity. For some, it causes severe disability, making work, study, or even basic daily tasks impossible.
The condition varies widely in severity. Around one in four people with CFS/ME are housebound or bedbound.
Symptoms of CFS/ME
The main symptom is long-term, disabling fatigue lasting six months or more, but other features often include:
✔ Post-exertional malaise (a crash in symptoms after even minor activity)
✔ Unrefreshing sleep
✔ Brain fog – poor memory, concentration, and processing
✔ Muscle and joint pain
✔ Headaches
✔ Sore throat or tender lymph nodes
✔ Dizziness or palpitations
✔ Digestive issues including IBS-like symptoms
Symptoms often fluctuate and can worsen unpredictably.
A New National Focus: July 2025 ME/CFS Care Plan
On 22 July 2025, the Department of Health and Social Care launched a national action plan to improve care for people living with ME/CFS. Key aims include:
- Better access to care closer to home, through neighbourhood health services
- New training for NHS staff to improve diagnosis and reduce stigma
- Increased investment in research, including repurposing existing medicines
- Support for children, young people, and working-age adults, including education and benefit reforms
This represents a major step toward changing attitudes, improving access, and investing in care for a condition that has long been misunderstood.
How OneMedicine Supports the Plan
At OneMedicine, we’re already aligned with many of the plan’s priorities. We offer:
✔ Timely diagnosis through extended, in-depth consultations
✔ Care closer to home via same-day video and in-clinic GP appointments
✔ Compassionate, stigma-free support from GPs who understand ME/CFS
✔ Practical help with symptom management, referrals, and workplace or benefit letters
We help bridge the gap while national services evolve – delivering personalised, accessible care now.
Managing CFS/ME: Treatment Options
While there is no universal cure, many patients benefit from:
1. Pacing and Activity Management
Learning to balance activity and rest helps reduce crashes and stabilise symptoms.
2. Targeted Symptom Relief
Carefully selected medications may support sleep, pain, or orthostatic symptoms.
3. Psychological Support
CBT can help with adjustment, sleep issues and managing the burden of long-term illness.
4. Lifestyle and Nutritional Guidance
Gut health, hydration, and gentle routines often play a key role.
5. Ongoing GP Support
Long-term conditions need long-term care. We offer continuity, clarity, and follow-up.
Final Thoughts
CFS/ME is real, life-changing, and often under-recognised – but that’s beginning to change. The 2025 government plan offers real hope, and OneMedicine is proud to support its delivery through fast, patient-centred care.
If you’re living with unexplained fatigue or have struggled to get help, our private GPs are here to listen and guide you with clarity and care.
Same-day Appointments Available
In Birmingham or online – for expert support with fatigue and long-term health conditions.
