AQW 13034/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 20/01/2021
Answered On Date: 13/09/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the appointment of a medical lead for myalgic encephalomyelitis by the Health and Social Care Board and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Answer:

Unfortunately, the process to employ a Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) medical lead for Northern Ireland (NI) has had to be paused by Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT). The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Service user Steering Group (MESSG) chaired by the Patient and Client Council rejected proposals by the BHSCT to develop the service.

The Health and Social Care Board has been asked to consider options for a way forward for the ME service and is due to update the MESSG at the forthcoming meeting on 30 September 2021. I understand you are a member of this group.