Bridges and Pathways priority fundraising project is the Australian ME/CFS Fibromyalgia Multidisciplinary Collaboration Clinical Research Centre as a one stop shop to streamline research and services for all Australians living with the complex long-term physical conditions ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), Fibromyalgia and associated pain syndromes.

Australians do not have access to the multidisciplinary services and support required to accurately diagnose and manage the disabling physical conditions Fibromyalgia & ME/CFS. Many people wait years for a diagnosis only to be told there are no treatments available.

Making patients a priority, the multi-agency multidisciplinary Clinical Research Centre combines medical care, provider education and research projects that are patient centred solutions and linked to improving patient outcomes for all Australians.

The Centre brings together data from 20+ years of collaborations between doctors, researchers, health providers and patient groups to provide patient centred, best practice multi-disciplinary services.

The Centre works with universities to evaluate General Practice management and facilitate care pathways, using new tests and treatments from overseas.

A major goal is to multiply services and upskill providers to increase the number of clinics providing up-to-date, affordable, daily care for all Australians.

A priority of the Centre will be to validate assessments to help Australians meet the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Centrelink assessment criteria.

Funds will contribute towards:

•                 Employment of a clinical nurse / researcher to coordinate a multiagency pilot of early diagnosis and management tools

•                 A General Practice based targeted management pilot evaluating patient outcomes

•                 Demonstrating appropriate assessments and management to meet the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Centrelink assessment criteria.

•                 Research projects on the new tests and biomarkers from overseas and the private sector.

•                 Patient care and staff salary gaps, particularly for:

•                 Practice nurse / research facilitator and data management

•                 Doctor, general practitioner researchers

•                 University data management and evaluation team

•                 Provider education and resources