Discussion of CFS/ME in Welsh National
Assembly - 3/1
[Answers to Questions not reached in Plenary]
[Questions to the Secretary for Health and Social Services]
Dealing with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS)
------------------------------------------------------
Lorraine Barrett: Does Jane Hutt intend to produce an all-Wales strategy for
dealing with ME in young people? (OAQ4375)
Andrew Davies (on behalf of Jane Hutt): The Assembly recognises that ME is a
potentially debilitating and distressing condition affecting many people.
The NHS provides a range of services to which patients have access.
Treatment may vary between individual cases and is delivered by a number of
specialities according to need. Patients can discuss the options available
to them with their general practitioner.
There is a continuing debate about this medical condition and the Government
continues to fund research into it. A Royal College of General
Practitioners, Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of
Psychiatrists joint working party produced a report giving general
guidelines on management of the condition, which in the first instance is
the responsibility of primary care.
The Department of Health also set up a working group on myalgic
encephalomyeltis/chronic fatigue syndrome. The group aims to review
management and practice in the field of ME/CFS with the aim of providing
best practice guidance for professionals, patients and carers to improve the
quality of care and treatment for people with ME/CFS. The working group is
also examining issues affecting children and young people. Officials are in
close communication with the Department of Health on this.
--------
(c) 2000 National Assembly for Wales
|