Councillor Gina Dowding presented a motion to Lancashire County Council at its meeting on 23rd May, to encourage greater understanding, more investment in research, better training and better treatment of those affected by the chronic illness ME / CFS. The motion passed with unanimous support.
ME/CFS (Myalgic encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) is a debilitating, long-term neurological condition with varying degrees of severity.
People with ME/CFS experience delayed worsening of symptoms after minor activity. It prevents people from functioning normally, stops or restricts ability to work or go to school, and leads to a lower quality of life.
The text of the motion
Lancashire County Council resolves:
To encourage greater understanding and improve the health outcomes of those affected by ME/CFS and Long Covid in Lancashire and asks the Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee to:
(iv) Request information from the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board on numbers of people with ME/CFS and Long Covid and the treatment options available across Lancashire.
(v) Investigate what ME/CFS and Long Covid training is given to existing and future staff on the updated NICE guidelines.
(vi) Consider how to approach the Secretary of State for Health and NHS England requesting further investment in research and training about ME/CFS and Long Covid.
More information on Gina’s website