2024 Billboard

May 12th Awareness Belfast billboard the charity erected as close as was available to the Department of Health headquarters and Stormont (the home of the devolved government) in Belfast.

It’s crucial to keep pushing for the full implementation of the updated NICE guideline for M.E. (NG206) in Northern Ireland because:

👉 Protecting Patients from Harmful Practices
The old guidance recommended Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as treatment/cures. NG206 officially removes GET and warns against forcing activity increases. Without proper implementation, outdated treatments could continue to harm people with M.E.

👉 Ensuring Doctors Follow the Best Scientific Evidence
The new guideline reflects modern biomedical research, recognizing M.E. as a serious, disabling, multisystem disease. Doctors need to be aware of this so patients aren’t dismissed, misdiagnosed, or mistreated.

👉 Access to Proper Care & Support
Northern Ireland still lacks specialist M.E. services. NG206 calls for a person-centred approach, including specialist input, symptom management, and support for severe patients. If the guideline isn’t implemented, patients will continue to be left without appropriate care.

👉 Recognising M.E. as a Serious Condition
M.E. is life-changing and, for some, life-threatening. Full implementation of NG206 would help shift perceptions, ensuring that patients are treated with dignity, respect, and proper medical care.

The Fight Isn’t Over
Without action, NG206 will remain just words on paper in Northern Ireland. Patients need real change—not just promises. That’s why we must keep fighting to make sure this guidance is put into practice.
Liz Kimmins MLA