The statement outlines the departments plans to publish the Delivery Plan on ME/CFS by the end of June.
“We have listened to key ME/CFS stakeholders to allow for more time to develop the plan and help ensure we can be as ambitious as possible across the three themes, to make the most impact for those living with ME/CFS. As such, we aim to publish the plan by the end of June. As well as boosting research, the plan will focus on improving attitudes and education and bettering the lives of people with this debilitating disease.”
Ashely Dalton, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, for Health and Social Care
This follows requests from Task and Finish Group members to allow for more time to develop the Plan, ensuring that it can be as ambitious as possible across its three themes of:
The department also state the extended publication timeline allows for the plan to be more closely aligned with related government strategies, such as the upcoming 10-Year Health Plan.
The Task and Finish Group, where both Action for ME and The ME Association are represented, will meet again to review “a more comprehensive set of actions for further discussion.”
We are pleased to see that the DHSC has taken concerns raised by members of the Task and Finish Group, regarding its lack of ambition, seriously. The increased timeline and further engagement present an opportunity to strengthen the plan, ensuring that associated actions are meaningful and impactful for people with ME/CFS.
However, it is essential that this timeline is now kept. People with ME/CFS have faced numerous delays on the Plan already and deserve to have it published and implemented fully, with actions that can create real, positive change.
We will continue to work closely with the Department and the Task and Finish Group to ensure it meets its goals and will provide any further updates when we can.
“People with ME/CFS deserve the most appropriate treatment and deserve to be confident that the National Health Service can offer that treatment. We recognise that care for people with ME/CFS has varied widely, and in the worst cases has left some people feeling that their illness is not recognised by the health and care system. We know that more research, better services, and a better understanding of the condition all have the potential to make a huge difference in the quality of life of people with ME/CFS.”
