Dear all,
Publication of the myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
final delivery plan
I am pleased to inform you that today we are publishing our ME/CFS Final Delivery Plan.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the ME/CFS Task and Finish
Group for all your valuable support and collaboration throughout this process, including on
the Interim Delivery Plan and, the 2023 consultation and, more recently, the four meetings
that took place from January to April this year. The input you have provided, including
personal experience from a patient and carer point of view, has been invaluable, and is
appreciated by Ministers and the policy team.
As you will be aware, the responses to the ME/CFS consultation, along with continued
close engagement with stakeholders including the Task and Finish Group, working across
government, the NHS and beyond, has informed the development of the ME/CFS Final
Delivery Plan. The plan focuses on boosting research, improving attitudes and education,
and bettering the lives of people with this debilitating disease. It also sets out a series of
actions, which will help address the key challenges and drive forward improvements to
outcomes and quality of life for people living with ME/CFS in England.
People living with ME/CFS often face stigma and misunderstanding, stemming from a lack
of awareness and education about the condition. This lack of awareness and understanding
can significantly impact the quality and availability of services and support for those
affected.
Research too will be particularly important in helping to improve understanding of the
condition, informing improved diagnosis, the development of new effective treatments and
better support for patients. In this respect, the plan sets out a long-term vision for a
coordinated, well-funded, and inclusive research environment that reflects the complexity
and severity of ME/CFS.
On education and awareness, the plan commits to increasing knowledge of ME/CFS
among public sector professionals, as well as the wider public, by ensuring that information
and learning resources are up to date, publicised and signposted.
Through a range of actions, the plan also commits to: improving the quality and accessibility
of health services and adult social care; appropriate and timely support for children and young people in education; and helping people with ME/CFS to find and maintain employment.
We have a clear commitment to ensure that people with long-term conditions like ME/CFS
can live as independently as possible and see their overall quality of life enhanced. This
plan will help us take an important step towards achieving this. We have listened very
carefully to you, and we acknowledge there is more to be done. We will continue to build
on the foundations of these actions well beyond the publication of this plan.
The publication of this plan marks the beginning of a journey ahead to bring about real and
positive change to the ME/CFS community. I look forward to continuing our collaboration
and hope to have your continued support as we move forward into the vital implementation
stage, and work to deliver on the actions set out in the plan.
Yours sincerely,
️ DHSC publishes the Final Delivery Plan on ME/CFS
