§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what recent representations he has received on fibromyalgia; and what provision exists for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease; [7259]
(2) what plans his Department has to promote awareness and treatment of fibromyalgia. [7264]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Department has recently received representations from local branches of the Fibromyalgia Support Group requesting more research into the condition, and raised public awareness.
The national health service provides a wide range of services to which people with fibromyalgia have access, and patients are seen within a wide range of hospital specialties. Health authorities and primary care trusts plan and arrange the services available to people in their care, as they are closest to the people they serve and so best placed to respond sensitively to their needs.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fibromyalgia was launched in March, chaired by the noble Lady the Countess of Mar. This should help increase public awareness of the condition.