§ John RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to improve the provision of essential services for severely affected sufferers of ME. [171343]
§ Dr. LadymanOn 20 January 2004, I announced new services for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, (CFS/ME), funded by a £8.5 million cash injection. This money will see the creation of 12 new CFS/ME centres and 28 local support teams throughout England in the coming months.
Local teams are expected to develop a network of services (health, education and social services) for those more severely affected who may be house-bound or bed-bound. The Department also provides funding to support the work of voluntary organisations working with people with CFS/ME.
In addition, in response to a request from the Chief Medical Officer, the Medical Research Council produced a research strategy on CFS/ME on 1 May 2003.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence has been commissioned to develop clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of CFS/ME. These guidelines will underpin the training of health professionals, ensuring people with this condition receive sound advice and support and will address a range of issues including assessment and diagnosis, adjustment and coping, symptom management and the use of rehabilitation strategies to optimising functioning and achieving greater independence.