§ Mr. BaronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance the NHS has issued to ensure that clinicians are fully informed in how to deal with patients presenting with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.[130713]
§ Dr. Ladyman[holding answer 16 September 2003]: We have issued no guidance to the National Health Service on the treatment of patients with cronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).
We are, however, taking steps to improve services for patients with this condition. On 12 May, we announced funding of £8.5 million that will be used to develop services for people with CFS/ME. In July, health organisations were invited to bid for development funds to set up centres of expertise to develop clinical care, support clinical research and expand education and training programmes for health care professionals 1272W and to establish satellite community multidisciplinary teams. The first phase of development will start in April 2004.