Written question asked by Ashok Kumar (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 June 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 15 June 2007. It was answered by Ivan Lewis (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 June 2007 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: Teesside

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many patients suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis were referred to treatment centres in other areas of the UK by primary care trusts on Teesside in the last 12 months;

Answer: Information on the number of patients suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) that were referred to treatment centres in other areas of the United Kingdom is not collected centrally.It is the responsibility of local primary care trusts to commission services, including chronic fatigue syndrome/ME services, according to the health needs of their populations and taking into account the resources available. It is for strategic health authorities to performance manage and ensure the development of well planned, good quality health services that meet the needs of local people.

Secondary information