UK House of Lords/ House of Commons - relevant people and questions

[Tao Fogger]

Tom Morrison Liberal Democrat Deputy Chief Whip​

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of people diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis who applied for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding were (a) assessed as eligible following a Decision Support Tool assessment and (b) refused following a Decision Support Tool assessment in each of the last five years.

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• Hansard source(Citation: HC Deb, 15 April 2026, cW)

Stephen Kinnock Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)​

NHS England does not collect data on the proportion of people diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis who are found eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), or any other condition. Eligibility for CHC is not determined by diagnosis or condition, but is assessed on a case-by-case basis taking into account the totality of an individual’s needs, and whether they constitute a ‘primary health need’.

Operational delivery of CHC is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs), including conducting CHC assessments using the standardised Decision Support Tool. NHS England holds ICBs to account, including through robust assurance mechanisms, to ensure they are delivering their statutory functions.

 

[BrightCandle]

NHS England does not collect data on ... myalgic encephalomyelitis

This would be the accurate statement. It doesn't concern itself with ME/CFS at all. So far in all these questions asked attempting to quantify any important stats about ME diagnosis and treatment in the NHS they have managed to show they have not collected any. How it is they are ensuring the statuatory functions are being met given they don't do anything I have no idea, and neither do they.