§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to review the guidance issued to adjudicators and BAMS doctors on the assessment of people diagnosed as suffering from ME. [84542]
§ Mr. BayleyThe Department's Chief Medical Adviser issues guidance to all doctors approved by the Secretary of State to undertake medical assessments for State benefit310W purposes. The guidance is contained in the Handbook for Medical Services Doctors and in the Disability Handbook. Both these Handbooks contain a section on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (also known as ME). The handbooks are available to decision makers who also have access to expert advice from a Medical Services doctor.
Medical Services doctors employed by SEMA group, which provide medical services on behalf of the Department of Social Security are trained in those aspects of Disability Assessment Medicine which focuses on impartial and objective assessment of disability irrespective of diagnosis.
The latest developments in the understanding of the Chronic Fatigue Syndromes are constantly kept under review by the Chief Medical Adviser and his Medical Policy Group. The guidance is reviewed in the light of any developments.