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Written question asked by Tessa Munt (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 27 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Thursday, 5 March 2026. A substantive answer was provided by Sharon Hodgson (Labour) on Monday, 16 March 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


ME/CFS: Health Services

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what clinical criteria are under consideration for determining eligibility for any nationally prescribed specialised service for severe or very severe ME.

Answer

The myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), final delivery plan, published on 22 July 2025, includes an action for the Department and NHS England to explore whether a specialised service should be prescribed by my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for very severe ME/CFS. Officials from the Department have commenced discussions with NHS England on how best to take forward this action.

Three factors determine whether a service is a prescribed specialised service. These are: the number of individuals who require the service; the cost of providing the service or facility; and the number of people able to provide the service or facility.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
116469
Session
2024-26
Subjects
ME/CFS Health services
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk