The paediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) Service is currently based at Seaside View Child Development Centre at Brighton General Hospital. The CFS/ME service provides assessments, intervention programmes, advice and support young people (up to 19 years) who have a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) and their families who live in Brighton and Hove. We are a part-time service made up of two occupational therapists and a clinical psychologist. We provide support for children and young people through individual sessions with our team as well as in groups and workshops.
Brighton, Hove
Referrals to this service can only be accepted following a diagnosis of CFS/ME by a Paediatrician at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital. Therefore GPs should refer patients to the RACH in the first instance. The young person remains under the care of the paediatrician to ensure medical oversight. For further advice/information please speak to our administrator or a clinician on: 01273 265763 or 265778.
Telephone: 01273 265763 or 265778
Email: sc-tr.paediatriccfs-meservice@nhs.net
Key Staff
Dr Alice Alberici – Clinical Psychologist
Julia Krikman – Senior Occupational Therapist
Psychology Undergraduate Placement Student
Seaside View Child Development Centre
Brighton General Hospital
Elm Grove
BN2 3EW
Preparing for your appointment
Once we have accepted a referral we will offer an appointment to meet with our occupational therapist and psychologist. This is usually around 60 minutes with breaks as required. We may send out questionnaires ahead of this appointment to help us understand current needs. During this appointment an agreed plan of support is developed together.
What to expect while under our care
As an NHS provider we work within National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. However we work in a flexible way that is patient-centred and collaborative with young people and families, taking into account their individual needs and what they have found themselves to be useful. We offer specialist assessments and both individual and group therapeutic work including activity management, workshops for both young people and caregivers and consultation and advice to other services and medical teams. We liaise closely with education providers to develop an educational programme that fits their needs. We also deliver education/training about CFS/ME to other professionals, schools and families.