Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Countess of Mar (Crossbench). It was answered by Lord Darzi of Denham (Labour) on Monday, 2 June 2008.

Health: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Question: Whether the current NHS review will include consideration of chronic fatigue syndrome/ myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) as a long-term neurological condition.

Answer: My Lords, the Government recognise that CFS/ME is a poorly understood condition that can be very distressing to patients, their families and carers. The long-term conditions pathway is one of the care pathways that strategic health authorities are examining as part of the NHS next stage review. The review, which is being led by local multidisciplinary working groups, will increase awareness and ensure better care for people with CFS/ME and will help to support local delivery of the NSF for long-term neurological conditions.

Secondary information