AQW 473/16-21

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 02/06/2016
Answered On Date: 14/06/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the specialist healthcare provision for people diagnosed with Myalgic Encephlomyelitis; and (ii) any plans she has to increase this provision.

Answer:

Specialist healthcare is provided for people diagnosed with ME (otherwise known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) in the Belfast and Northern Health and Social Care Trusts. When a GP makes a diagnosis of ME they may refer the patient to these services, which take the form of supported self-management programmes as recommended by NICE.

The Health and Social Care Board plans, subject to the identification of resources, to extend these services to all Trusts and to appoint a regional Consultant lead to provide advice and guidance to GPs and those delivering Trust services.