A recent report published by NHS Lothian has highlighted the results of a survey of people suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) from across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

The Believe in ME study show patients' experiences of living with the condition and of accessing and using services in Lothian.

The survey sought the views 168 people diagnosed with ME - also referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome.

The patients' experiences highlighted in the report show that many felt that they were met with scepticism about ME from health professionals and people at large.

They also felt there were delays in diagnosis and lack of support in managing their symptoms from health professionals.

Jackie Sansbury, NHS Lothian's director of strategic planning and modernisation, said in a statement: "The survey results published in Believe in ME have helped identify what patients with ME/CFS in Lothian need in terms of better support.

"The patients' views will be incorporated into a review of ME services, which we are currently undertaking."

Liz Blackadder, from Edinburgh ME self help group Edmesh, said: "Edmesh group is very happy to see the publication of the Believe in ME report for Lothian and hopes that it has a wide circulation and that all its recommendations will be implemented.

"It will be critical that the patients' viewpoints and experiences are central to service developments and edmesh is keen that the voices of people with ME are not lost."

The Scottish Government is to launch two initiatives for people with ME - a Scottish Good Practice Statement for GPs on the diagnosis and management of ME/CFS and a national consultation on a needs assessment of health services for people living with the illness.

Ms Blackadder added: "Edmesh sees the launch of the two national initiatives during ME Awareness Week as a very important milestone in the development of services for people with ME in Scotland and the recognition of ME as a serious long-term condition for many people."