Written question asked by Desmond Turner (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 February 2006. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 March 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Chronic Fatigue Services

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the economic effects of the early diagnosis and treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Answer: We have made no assessments of the economic effects of early diagnosis and treatment for those with myalgic encephalomyelitis.All health professionals recognise the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, indeed this is a key feature of the national service framework for long-term conditions. However, some neurological conditions, such as myalgic encephalomyelitis, can present a particular challenge for early identification as they lack clear, simple diagnostic features. Such conditions will require further investigations and clinical tests before a final diagnosis is made.

Secondary information