Why?

Because there is a lack of experience amongst UK doctors and the NHS is suffering as a result. Patients are often shunted from one specialist to another, which is difficult for the GP and wastes the money and time of the hospitals; and the patient gets no help!

If there was a specialist clinic to review complex cases, then patients would be listened to and helped and doctors would gain experience. At a debate in the House of Lords, it was stated by the then minister Lord Prior, that the UK would best be served by a network of interested practitioners across the country. That was in 2015 and nothing has progressed.

We hear from a steady stream of people who have histories strongly suggestive of Lyme disease who are being inadequately investigated and treated, and are suffering unnecessarily as a result. We still need politicians to know about Lyme disease so that the forward momentum can be maintained.

Long Covid is now being talked about and recognised, so people are likely to be more receptive to the idea of continuing symptoms on Lyme disease.

How to find who your MP is

Visit this website and enter your postcode in the search box.

Write to your MP

We recommend you start by putting your story in writing. Tell your story briefly, but in enough detail to make it clear how you have been affected by Lyme disease. Also mention how the NHS has been affected – perhaps by your frequent need for help and consultations.

Whether you have had a clinical diagnosis, or a confirmed laboratory diagnosis, or care for someone who is ill, evidence from your stories is compelling.

Please say that you support Lyme Disease Action’s attempts to prompt a specialist clinic for Lyme disease.

MPs are busy people, so please keep your letters to a maximum of two sides of A4. Do also try to keep your letters factual. Some authorities in the past tried to dismiss patient groups as not understanding the facts. We know most of you are sensible and intelligent people, and we need to demonstrate that.

Every MP can be reached by addressing your letter to:

(MP’s name) MP,

House of Commons,

London

SW1A 0AA

You can also write to the local constituency office.

Use your own words if you can, but if you are unable to write your own letters for any reason then we can provide sample letters that you can use for inspiration.

Meet your MP

You should get a reply to your letter within a few weeks. Regardless of the nature of the reply, it is always good to follow up with a personal meeting. We have seen a number of cases where a face to face discussion has made all the difference in securing an MP’s support.

All MPs hold regular surgeries around their constituencies. You will usually need to make an appointment by contacting the MP’s local office, but this is straightforward.

Be prepared by taking a copy of your original letter and a brief list of the main points you wish to raise. Be prepared to be specific about your case (or the case of the person you care for), what has or has not helped you, the help you still need and the changes that you want to see. If you can, show them our leaflets. If you have difficulty with memory or concentration then make some simple notes with a few words to remind you what you want to say. If that is a symptom of your Lyme disease, then tell them that. A friend or relative who understands your story can be useful to take along as well.

Not all MPs will be immediately persuaded. Remember, if they do not know a lot about Lyme disease, it will be your opportunity to give them credible information and to be an advocate on your own behalf. A true story truthfully told is always persuasive.

Let us know

Please let us know how you get on, or if you need any help with what to say, or want to check your facts. If your MP has detailed questions then we will be happy to write to them ourselves with more information.