Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 22 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 November 2000. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will list for each NHS region the number of inpatient beds that cater for the needs of people with CFS/ME; how much is spent in each region on such inpatient services; and how many NHS staff, broken down by category, work in such services; if he will list for each NHS region the number of outpatient clinics that cater for the needs of people with CFS/ME; how much is spent by each region on such services; and how many NHS staff, broken down by category, work in such services. - Inc fact that information required not available in format requested. (Holding answer 28 November 2000).

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list for each NHS region the number of in-patient beds that cater for the needs of people with CFS/ME; how much is spent in each region on such inpatient services; and how many NHS staff, broken down by category, work in such services; [140544] (2) if he will list for each NHS region the number of out-patient clinics that cater for the needs of people with CFS/ME; how much is spent by each region on such services; and how many NHS staff, broken down by category, work in such services. [140545] Mr. Denham: [holding answer 28 November 2000]: The information required is not available in the format requested. The National Health Service provides a considerable number of services to which people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) access. These patients are seen within a wide range of hospital specialties including general medicine, neurology and immunology. The CFS/ME working group is developing guidance to improve the quality of care for CFS/ME patients.

Secondary information