AQW 4802/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 4905/17-22, for an update on the installation of a Clinical Lead for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis after the recruitment for this post was paused in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Asked by Connie Egan MLA on 17 October 2022
- Answered
- Written
- Priority
- Tabled
- 17 October 2022
- Answer due by
- 20 October 2022
- Answered
- 20 October 20223 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- Yes
Answer
A key constraint in the establishment a consultant-led Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) service is that there is no specific training programme within the medical colleges for this. In this context, and despite several recruitment competitions, it has not been possible to identify a suitable candidate.
My officials are continuing to engage with the Patient and Client Council and service user representatives on ME/CFS services. While a number of offers have been rejected by service user representatives, my officials will continue to explore other options to provide a medically-led service.