Summary of the APPG on ME Meeting (July 2007)

This report provides an overview of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on ME meeting held on 12th July 2007 at the House of Commons. The session combined the APPG’s Annual General Meeting with discussions addressing significant challenges related to ME/CFS services in the UK.

Key Highlights:

1. Annual General Meeting: The existing officers were re-elected, with Dr Des Turner MP continuing as Chair. Ministerial changes were noted, affecting communication with the Department of Health (DoH).
2. Presentation on NHS Services by Dr Terry Mitchell: Dr Mitchell shared insights from his work as a regional clinical champion for ME/CFS in East Anglia, discussing the impact of £8.5m ring-fenced funding announced by the DoH in 2003. He highlighted the successes and challenges of service provision in the region, including funding reductions and organizational difficulties.
3. Funding Issues: Concerns were raised regarding the 15% reduction in funding for clinical services, leading to delays in patient appointments and fear of inadequate support for ME/CFS patients.
4. Debate and Criticisms: A lively discussion ensued about the variability of NHS service provision, psychological management approaches, and the lack of funding for biomedical research. Statements were made by patient groups expressing both praise and criticism of the services provided.
5. Proposals for Political Action: Suggestions included inviting the Secretary of State for Health to address funding and research concerns and advocating for an adjournment debate to raise awareness among MPs.
6. Other Key Issues: Additional concerns included new guidelines from the DoH and NICE, the impact of amended legislation on ME patients, and dissatisfaction with NHS service management.

The meeting concluded with recommendations for further dialogue and action to address the challenges faced by ME/CFS patients and improve the provision of services across the UK.

This document is a detailed account of the APPG’s efforts to highlight critical issues and drive policy changes for ME/CFS care.