Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has had discussions with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence on reviewing guidance for the (a) diagnosis, (b) care and (b) treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

We have had no discussions with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on reviewing its guidance for the diagnosis, care, and treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

The NICE develops its guidance independently and keeps its published guidelines under active surveillance so that it is able to update its recommendations in light of any significant new evidence. Decisions on updates to existing guidance are made by the NICE’s Prioritisation Board in line with the NICE’s published common prioritisation framework. The NICE does not currently have plans to update this guideline.