23 admitted with ME

TWENTY three people were admitted to Western Trust hospitals and diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome over the past three years, the Health Minister has revealed.

Mr Poots revealed Belfast accounted for the largest number of admissions between 2008 and 2011, with 148. Across Northern Ireland there were 279 admissions.

Foyle MLA Mark H. Durkan asked the Minister what services are available to people in the North West diagnosed with the illness.

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He stated: “I am advised that within the Western Trust, all patients referred from GPs are seen by a Consultant Physician and treatment is planned in accordance with NICE guidance for CFS/ME.

“In March 2012, the HSC Board and the Public Health Agency co-hosted a workshop to consider and agree plans for further development priorities for CFS/ME services.

“A key element of the future model of provision will be the establishment of a regional network of expertise to support consistent diagnosis and condition management. The HSC Board is working with Trusts to determine how best to provide this.”