Feedback is being sought by Manx Care on ME/CFS and Long Covid with a view to create an specialised service.

The series of four public ’listening events’ will take place in February and March on the subjects of the post-viral illnesses Myalgia Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Long Covid.

These sessions will serve as a basis of understanding of what is required from such a service.

Juan Corlett, of ME Support Isle of Man, said: ’ME Support welcomes the announcement of public listening events and will be encouraging sufferers to actively participate in the process.

’We hope that the events will be truly accessible for all, even those who are most severely debilitated by their condition. Any form of communication can be very challenging for the most severe cases and these individuals also require the most help from the new service.

’Manx Care has already received expert guidance from multiple, well qualified sources in the UK to guide and shape the development of the service, so we sincerely hope that improvements to diagnosis and personalised management can be swiftly implemented.’

Health and Social Care Minister Lawrie Hooper has previously said there is a need to improve what is offered to individuals living with either of the long-term health conditions. He has also stated that that both conditions are ’similar but different’ which is why the listening events are being held separately.

Manx Care said in a statement it is aiming to create a space where it ’can learn from people who live with these conditions, understanding what has helped or hindered them’ in the past.

’These lived experiences will guide and shape the developments of the service, helping Manx Care to consider what needs to be available across the community to help people live well with such conditions,’ it said.

There will be two different workshops, the first held on February 9 between 4pm and 6pm on the subject of Long Covid, with the second on ME/CFS between 1pm and 3pm on February 10. Both workshops will be held at the Palace Hotel on Douglas Promenade.

Manx Care is encouraging those living with ME/CFS or Long Covid to complete a questionnaire that can be found on its website titled ’Development of the new ME/CFS and Long Covid Service’ prior to the sessions taking place. This is to ensure the voices of those with experience of these conditions are heard.

As the workshops are during the day any interested individuals can also email [email protected] to have their views/opinions listened to.

Members of the public are also welcome to attend the Listening Events, either in person or via Zoom should register with Sarah Morton.