13 May 2011
During M.E. Awareness Week, Action for M.E. policy officer Tristana Rodrigez suggested a number of questions to MPs, for them to raise in the House of Commons.
The following written questions were subsequently tabled by acting APPG chair Annette Brooke and Redcar MP Ian Swales yesterday, 12 May (M.E. Awareness Day). Answers are expected on 17 May.
On health
Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department plans to take to ensure continued provision of specialist services for myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what representations he has received on the proposed closure of the specialist inpatient service for myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome at Queen's Hospital, Romford; and if he will make a statement.
Ian Swales (Redcar): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will bring forward proposals to ensure that training in myalgic encephalomyelitis is included in all pre- and post-registration training of healthcare professionals.
On welfare benefits
Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will initiate a review of the guidance on myalgic encephalomyelitis provided to (a) new and (b) existing (i) assessors and (ii) other staff in (A) his Department and (B) Atos.
Ian Swales (Redcar): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what his policy is on measures to ensure that people with myalgic encephalomyelitis who are genuinely unable to work are not required to undertake unsuitable work or work-related activity.
Information supplied by Dehavilland.
