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Complex Chronic Diseases Program

The Complex Chronic Diseases Program (CCDP) is a provincial referral centre that provides symptom-centered care to patients across BC experiencing Myalgic Encephalmyelitis (ME/CFS), Fibromyalgia (FM), and symptoms attributed to Lyme Disease (SALD).
Service Eligibility
Our program offers self-paced online education and virtual group sessions led by health care providers who deliver the principles of self-management skills and help you implement them. Our program focuses on group-based education and self-management support, while continuing to offer 1:1 medical visits for medication review, as needed.

Clinical research tells us that self-management skills are best practice for managing symptoms of complex chronic diseases. There is robust data and multiple best practice guidelines that patients with strong self-management skills have better long-term outcomes when it comes to symptom control. This group education format is also supported by client feedback.

We do not provide primary care but may assist in the management of co-existing illnesses. We do not offer a cure for these conditions.

Service Eligibility

To be eligible to receive care at this clinic, you must meet each of the criteria below. Each referral is carefully reviewed and assessed on an individual basis.

We do not accept self-referrals from patients. Please speak to your care provider to be referred to this clinic for care.

Criteria:
  • Gender-diverse residents of BC,
  • 19 years of age or older,
  • With symptoms or a diagnosis of:
    • Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS),
    • Fibromyalgia (FM), or
    • Symptoms attributed to Lyme Disease (SALD)
Referral Details
All referrals must be made by a physician or nurse practitioner, who is able to continue supporting the program participant's daily chronic disease management and follow their ongoing health. We will work to ensure the primary health care professional receives information to provide the best available care.

For further information on making a referral, visit our referral webpage.
Resources
Complex chronic diseases, such as ME/CFS, FM, and SALD do not have a known cure. In many cases, the causes of these diseases are unknown. Complex chronic diseases are complex because:

  • The factors involved in causing these conditions are not well understood.
  • The symptoms and effects of any CCD can vary greatly among people with the same condition.
  • The longer duration of a CCD can lead to other health complications. These can include physical problems such as weakness, fatigue, and difficulty with daily activities (functionality). 
  • Any long-term illness can impair relationships, education and career goals, and affect a person’s mental health.
With all of these conditions, there are no blood or other laboratory tests to confirm a diagnosis. They are diagnosed based on symptoms described by the patient and medical assessment.

Each person with a CCD will experience their disease in a unique way, with symptoms that may or may not exactly match the most common descriptions. 

The most helpful approach to treatment will identify patients’ needs according to their symptoms and day to day functionality.

Even if you have had a CCD for a long time, there are steps you can take to feel better and gradually improve your condition. Having your CCD diagnosed as early as possible will help with a better and more rapid recovery.

For Patients

Medication Fact Sheets

For Health Care Professionals
News & Events

 

     Community Event: July 15th 

     What: Supporting the Nervous System - Gentle Techniques for Balance                 and Grounding
     Who: Hosted by Social Workers Laura & Kym
     When: Tuesday, July 15th, 2025, from 1:30 pm- 3pm  
     Where: Zoom
 
     Join us to learn some basics of the nervous system and practice some                         techniques to help ground and bring our systems into balance.
 
     Click below to register:
    https://phsa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oehfHOAySOKpdBf0BA-0Bw

This is a community event and all are welcome!


 

   Community Event: June 10th 

     What: Persons with Disability (PWD) Zoom webinar  
     Who: Hosted by the CCDP and Disability Alliance BC
     When: Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, from 1:30 pm- 3pm  
     Where: Zoom

     Click below to register:

Info session will cover:
  • Eligibility criteria
  • Application process
  • Q & A

This s a community event and all are welcome!

 

What: Preparing for summer with pacing

Who: Hosted by the CCDP

When: Tuesday May 13, 2025 at 1:30 pm to 3 pm

Where: Zoom

 

Click below to register:

https://phsa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RLEW0krpQV61CwEQsFBlJw

 

This event is hosted by Sandy (PT) and Jen (OT)

Info session will cover:

  • Pacing for travel, hot weather and attending events
  • Time for Q&A

 

What: Disability Tax Credit (DTC) & Registered Disability Savings Program (RDSP) Zoom webinar  

Who: Hosted by the CCDP and Disability Alliance BC

When: Monday, April 7th, 2025, from 10 am -11:30 am  

Where: Zoom

 

Click below to register:

https://phsa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_syw72OvjSGahlRQv1bEeRA

 

Info session will cover:

  • Eligibility criteria
  • Application process
  • Q & A

 

Who: People with Complex Chronic Illness

What: Connect with Michelle & Sam (Dietitians) to answer your questions on strategies related to food & nutrition and chronic illness.

When: Tuesday March 11, 2025 from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Where: ZOOM!

Why: To refresh your knowledge.


In this session, Michelle & Sam (Dietitians) will be on hand to answer your questions about food and nutrition related to chronic illness. Relevant* topics include: food sensitivities related to GI distress, foods + supplements to reduce inflammation, and adaptive cooking strategies for individuals living with pain & fatigue. There will be ample time for Q7A, so please bring your questions. We look forward to you joining us!

 

Click below to register:

https://phsa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KGwf7yntRL-kIUaJ4aqo5w

 

What: Canada Pension Plan-Disability (CPP-D) Zoom webinar  

Who: Hosted by the CCDP and Disability Alliance BC

When: Tuesday, February 11th, 2025, from 1:30 pm – 3 pm  

Where: Zoom. 

Click below to register: https://phsa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YD2mXYLkR3e_RXjrH83hlg

 

Info session will cover: 

  • Eligibility criteria
  • Application process
  • Q & A

 

What: Persons with Disability (PWD) Zoom webinar  

Who: Hosted by the CCDP and Disability Alliance BC

When: Tuesday, December 10th, 2024, from 1:30 pm – 3 pm  

Where: Zoom. 


Click here to register:

https://phsa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gwl8qerwQjGogLfw-TB_fQ


Info session will cover:

  • Eligibility criteria
  • Application process
  • Q & A

 

‎What: Webinar on How to Help Manage the Holidays while Living with Chronic Illness

Who: Hosted by the CCDP Occupational Therapist, Dietitian, & Social Worker

When: Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, from 1:30 pm – 3 pm

Where: Zoom


Click below to register:

https://phsa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2ynAhzxXRNO1PyOQKx7k8w

 

Info session will cover strategies to:

  • Manage energy levels

  • Eat well

  • Take care of self

  • Q & A



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SOURCE: Complex Chronic Diseases Program ( )
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