Clinical services for CFS/ME were introduced in 2005/6 with an £8.3m investment from the Department of Health specifically for this purpose.
Subsequent changes in NHS organisation and budget setting arrangements are making it difficult to maintain this level of investment.

The Chairman of the APPG Des Turner MP initiated an inquiry and a parliamentary team of MP’s and members of The House of Lords will undertake this work.

A draft terms of reference has been prepared and the key aim will; “Evaluate the extent to which the NHS is providing care for people with ME in England, particularly in primary and secondary care, and specialist centres/teams.”

The inquiry will invite evidence from people with ME/CFS and from those providing NHS services.

Funding of approx £40,000 will be needed and timescales to complete and publish this report would depend on securing this. However it is hoped that this would be achievable by Summer 2009.

We are aware that two of our local teams have had significant budget reductions in funding, threatening the level of care presently provided, and this does not auger well for the increase in investment required to deliver services for children and young people and the severely affected ME patients.

The next APPG meeting on ME will be held on Wednesday 1st April 1:30—3pm in the House of Commons.