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. The UK and Scotland will also be joining this cause for #MillionsMissing 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. 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 use this link https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp
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 https://www.funkypigeon.com/?query=postcard.
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
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.
Online postcard services: