PATIENTS and GPs are concerned that provision for ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) in Worcestershire will dwindle after it was announced that the only specialist with an interest in the condition in the county is leaving his post in May.

Dr Alastair Miller is the consultant physician and clinical director of medicine at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust who has an interest in ME - which is also known as chronic fatigue syndrome - and has held a clinic for patients at Kidderminster for a number of years. Worcestershire ME Support Group has received many messages from patients, carers and GPs alike who are now extremely worried that his departure on Friday, May 27, when he will move to a new role at Royal Liverpool University Hospital, will leave a huge void.

"Local GPs have been in touch with us saying they are struggling to find a local specialist with an interest in ME," co-ordinator of the group Jill Piggott said. "They often don't know enough about ME to make a diagnosis themselves so send patients to Dr Miller. "But people need to be diagnosed so they know how to deal with the condition.

"If Dr Miller is replaced it could take months - in which time there will be no ME provision in the county."

Rosemary Winnall's 21-year-old daughter Nicky suffers from severe ME and is bedridden, in extreme pain all the time and has very little quality of life.

"We have virtually no help from the doctors and feel as if we are having to deal with this on our own," said Rosemary, who lives in Callow Hill, near Bewdley.

"Nicky was being treated under Dr Miller but a recent letter from him indicated that if we needed any help to get back in touch with our GP.

"I am extremely concerned that there might be no ME specialist in the area when Dr Miller departs."

A spokesperson for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said Dr Miller's post was being advertised.

The job description would say the person needed required experience in the management of CFS/ME.