We help people with complex symptoms find a diagnosis and access support.

Some have rare genetic conditions; others show unusual features of recognised diseases. Many will not have a diagnosable cause for their problems. They often feel lost and forgotten in the healthcare system — their concerns dismissed, their symptoms overlooked.

Welcome to Forgotten Patients, Overlooked Diseases

Life without a diagnosis is difficult. Our multidisciplinary team offers:

Evidence-based signposting and resources
Support for individuals, families, and healthcare professionals
Education and awareness
A platform for collaborative research

We aim to shed light on this poorly understood area of medicine and improve outcomes for those affected.

Terminology can be very complicated. Here are some definitions.

Our Mission

Join our community

We’re building a movement of people who care deeply about those living with medically unexplained and overlooked conditions.

How to Become a Member

Email steven.walker@forgottenpatients.org to request a short sign-up form.

Membership Fee

£10 per year — supporting our advocacy, events, and resources.

Member Benefits

Vote on key charity decisions
Stand for election as a trustee
Get involved in our projects and events
Receive regular updates and opportunities
Help raise awareness and represent overlooked patients

Join us — and be part of the change.

Making the Most Guides

Practical tips and information for:

GP visits
Hospital appointments
Navigating medically unexplained symptoms

Includes a collection of useful links.

[Read more ➜]

Explore our Resources

Challenges in the Consultation

26 June 2025

In partnership with the Guild of Health Writers

A deep dive into medically unexplained symptoms and the doctor–patient relationship. Topics include:

Diagnostic doubt
Persona and bias in consultations
The experience of being ‘gaslit’ in healthcare
The power of compassion in medicine

[Watch the sessions and read more ➜]

Conferences and Events

Conference Report

The Challenges in the Medical Consultation conference (26 June, Vestry House) examined how patients with Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) face misdiagnosis, bias, and lack of support. Speakers stressed the need for doctors to validate symptoms, share diagnostic uncertainty, listen with compassion, and adopt collaborative, patient-centred approaches, supported by better training, systemic change, and tools like AI.

[Read the full summary here ➜]

Medically Unexplained Symptoms: A Multidisciplinary Conference

1 May 2024

Exploring the cycle of repeated tests, referrals, and uncertainty faced by patients with MUS. We brought together patients, clinicians, researchers, and mental health professionals to discuss real solutions.

[Watch the sessions and read more ➜]

Conference Report

Read our detailed report from the 1 May 2024 conference.
Includes expert insights, patient perspectives, and key recommendations.

Our conference also featured in an article by the Daily Mail, highlighting the importance and impact of our work. Read the article here.

[Download the full PDF ➜]

💙 Donate Today

Your support helps us develop resources, host events, fund research, and amplify patient voices.

[Make a donation ➜]