Written question asked by Paul Marsden (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 17 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 July 2002. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Thursday, 18 July 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on the effects of holistic and complementary therapies in helping patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Answer: Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the effects of holistic and complementary therapies in helping patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis. [63143] Jacqui Smith: The recent report of the chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) working group noted patients' comments to the effect that certain complementary therapies were helpful in alleviating some symptoms. It also noted a need for guidance in using such therapies. Guidance is currently being prepared by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence on palliative care for cancer patients, including the use of complementary therapies. This may be of some help to CFS/ME sufferers.

Secondary information