A public health activist from the University of Berkeley, California, has spoken with the Health Minister about improving ME services.

Dr David Tuller was invited to join a campaign by ME Support IOM to help spread awareness of the illness and improve the services available to sufferers on the island.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a chronic illness that affects about 350 people on the island. Sufferers experience dysfunction to their neurological and immune systems, which can drastically impact their energy levels and leave them bedridden for weeks.

The Department of Health and Social Care has worked with the support group to create a business case for a more appropriate service to be considered.

Dr Tuller, who has spent years researching ME, continues to challenge professionals who recommend certain treatments that cause more harm than good to patients.

His research proved that PACE, a treatment that involves intensive exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy, creates further problems for sufferers and that a large amount of rest is essential.

He has succeeded in getting the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to rethink its guidelines for ME treatment in the upcoming year.

’There is a real change of attitude in the last few years towards ME,’ he said.

’However, stereotypes of the illness still exist.

’People with ME keep pushing themselves because they’re not used to lying in bed, but they’re not lazy people.

’The illness and bad treatments make them exhausted, making them rest more, but people take them off benefits because they’re "not trying to get better".’

He explained: ’I came here to reinforce the message of ME Support IOM that the facilities here are not efficient enough for those with ME.’

Celia Marshall, chair of the Manx support group, said: ’We are waiting to see if we can get a business that is run on the island, but receives proper advice from a consultant in Liverpool.

’At the moment GPs are having to make a diagnosis, as we have no consultant with an interest in ME on the island. The decision is currently before the Treasury, who will make a decision in January.’

She added: ’Health Minister Kate Beecroft is very supportive of a better service, as the treatment that is recommended to patients is very damaging.’

The support group will be showing the film ’Unrest’ at the Villa Marina this Saturday and Sunday at 4.30pm, to raise further awareness of ME. Tickets cost £6.