#MillionsMissing 2024

Healthcare professionals urgently need accurate education and training that reflects the reality of ME as a complex multi-system disease.

#TeachMETreatME
Postcards to Doctors

The theme for #MillionsMissing this year is #TeachMETreatME. This global #MEAction initiative aims to raise awareness among medical professionals of the challenges faced by those with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and emphasise the critical need for healthcare education about this debilitating condition. MEAction UK and MEAction Scotland will also be joining this cause for Millions Missing 2024.

‘Postcards to Doctors’ campaign is a key element of this year’s #MillionsMissing across the UK. Members of the community will be encouraged to send postcards to their doctors or local GP surgeries, urging them to learn about the complexities of ME. A key resource that will be promoted is Dr Nina Muirhead’s one-hour CPD module on ME (CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development and is the term used to describe the learning activities professionals engage in to develop and enhance their abilities). When sent on a large scale, these postcards will make the fact that every GP and practice has multiple patients living with ME inescapable, and highlight that there are resources available that can make a difference.

To find your GP surgery address, if you live in England, use this link https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp

You can send your own postcard or use our artwork.

Posting your own card

If you use your own postcard remember to copy this link and add it to your message: meaction.org.uk/MedEd

If you can, make your message personal. You could say:

Dear Dr      

I have been a patient for xx years and I (or my family member/loved one) has had ME/CFS for xx years.  

We value your help and support and ask that you take this free 1 hour online CPD module to learn more about this complex disease:
meaction.org.uk/MedEd

Yours,

OR

Dear Doctor     

Please take this free 1 hour online CPD module to learn more about ME/CFS.  I/my family member/loved one has suffered for many years from ME/CFS and need your help. Here is a link to the CPD module:

 meaction.org.uk/MedEd

Sincerely, 

The important thing is to include the link to the CPD training module.

Using an online postcard service

If you need to save your energy you can send a postcard through an online service such as Funky Pigeon.

You can choose your own photograph and add the link to our medical education page to your message or copy some of the suggestions above. Remember to include this link meaction.org.uk/MedEd

Or, You can use artwork we have prepared for you here. All the information your doctor needs to take the CPD module is on the front and you can write your own message on the back. You can use some of the language above as a guide or write your own message.

The beautiful image we are using was very kindly donated by Emily Lawton.

If you can, follow us on social media and share your postcard using hashtags #MillionsMissing and #TeachMETreatME and tag us at @MEActNetUK. Or, share and like our posts and others who are using the hashtags.

Please let us know if your doctor responds to you.

We know that some of you won’t be able to take part in this campaign and want you to know that your health takes priority.

Thank you for taking part in #MillionsMissing 2024