Brief Report on APPG on ME Meeting 2014

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on ME continued its advocacy efforts in 2014, addressing vital concerns for ME/CFS patients, including healthcare provisions, welfare reform, and scientific research. Below is a summary of key points from the meeting:

1. Welfare Reform:
   • Updates were shared on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments and their ongoing impact on ME/CFS patients.
   • Concerns regarding the fairness of Work Capability Assessments (WCA) for fluctuating conditions were reiterated.
2. Research Highlights:
   • The development of the ME Biobank progressed, serving as a resource for future biomedical studies.
   • Discussions touched on exploring biological markers and potential treatments for ME/CFS.
3. NHS Services and Challenges:
   • Continued disparities in the availability and quality of NHS services for ME/CFS patients were highlighted.
   • Concerns over reduced specialist services, as well as the need for equitable care, were emphasized.
4. Child Protection Issues:
   • Ongoing challenges faced by families of children with ME were discussed, including unwarranted accusations of fabricated illnesses. Collaborative efforts with medical professionals were proposed.

The APPG on ME reinforced its commitment to advocating for the needs of ME/CFS patients, pushing for equitable healthcare, policy changes, and continued research efforts.