To ask Her Majesty's Government whether patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome are offered the choice of taking part in a telephone or Skype consultation when they are too ill to travel; whether this policy applies to all hospitals; and if not, why not.
Answered on
14 November 2017
The commissioning of services for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a local matter. The current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on CFS/ME advises that healthcare professionals should provide diagnostic and therapeutic options to patients that reflect their needs and preferences. This may include providing services in a patient’s home or using telephone or email to contact. Such approaches may also include Skype consultations where available and appropriate.
On 20 September 2017, NICE announced plans to undertake a full review of the guidance.