AQW 8921/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 16/10/2020
Answered On Date: 04/11/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether he has taken steps to stop or restrict the use of Graded Exercise Therapy for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, given surveys show more than half of patients find it detrimental and it is currently subject to review by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.

Answer:

The current guideline issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy): diagnosis and management (CG53), endorsed by my Department in 2008 for implementation in Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland, continues to apply.

As you are aware, CG53 is currently under review by NICE, with an expected publication date of 21 April 2021. When the updated guidance is issued by NICE, my Department will consider it under the usual process for NICE Clinical Guidelines as per circular HSC (SQSD) 3/13.