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Written question asked by Caroline Dinenage (Conservative) on Thursday, 10 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 September 2026. It was answered by James Frith (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 September 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 steps she is taking to ensure people with severe ME in need of tube feeding can be safely fed lying flat in NHS hospitals.

Answer

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published guidance on nutrition support for adults and on the diagnosis and management of myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The guidance recognises that people with severe or very severe ME/CFS may be unable to eat and digest food easily and may require support with hydration and nutrition, including enteral tube feeding.

Enteral feeding must be provided safely. Feeding a patient lying flat can increase the risk of aspiration, and clinicians should take the NICE guidance fully into account. However, NICE guidance does not replace clinical judgement. Decisions about positioning and the most appropriate form of nutritional support should be made by the treating clinical team, following an individual assessment of the patient’s needs, risks, and preferences and, where appropriate, with input from a multidisciplinary nutrition support team.

These services are commissioned locally by integrated care boards, which are responsible for ensuring that appropriate services are available to meet the needs of their populations.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
28710
Session
2026-27
Subjects
ME/CFS Hospitals Health services
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk