Written question asked by John Baron (Conservative) on Friday, 12 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 October 2003. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Monday, 6 October 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what guidance the NHS has issued to ensure that clinicians are fully informed in how to deal with patients presenting with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis. - Inc figures. (Holding answer 16 September 2003).

Answer: Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance the NHS has issued to ensure that clinicians are fully informed in how to deal with patients presenting with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis. [130713] Dr. Ladyman: [holding answer 16 September 2003]: We have issued no guidance to the National Health Service on the treatment of patients with cronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). We are, however, taking steps to improve services for patients with this condition. On 12 May, we announced funding of £8.5 million that will be used to develop services for people with CFS/ME. In July, health organisations were invited to bid for development funds to set up centres of expertise to develop clinical care, support clinical research and expand education and training programmes for health care professionals and to establish satellite community multidisciplinary teams. The first phase of development will start in April 2004.

Secondary information