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Chamber and committees

Question reference: S6W-32421

  • Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
  • Date lodged: 18 December 2024
  • Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 7 January 2025

Question

To ask the Scottish Government, regarding its recent report, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Services in Scotland: An analysis of updated NHS Board survey data, which confirms that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is offering the Lightning Process for people with ME/CFS, what its position is on NHS boards using this treatment, in light of it being not recommended in the NICE guidelines for ME/CFS, and whether it plans to take action to end the use of this treatment for ME/CFS.


Answer

The Health and Social Care Standards, published in 2017, set out the expectation that care should be provided by health and social care professionals based on the most relevant evidence, guidance and best practice, as is appropriate to their profession and patient group. In July 2022 we wrote to health boards and GPs to raise awareness of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines and highlight key changes in practice, and these remain the most current national guidelines on the management of ME/CFS.

While the Scottish Government sets the strategic policy for the NHS in Scotland, it is NHS Boards and healthcare professionals locally who have responsibility for both service delivery and ensuring people receive the right care for them, taking into account relevant guidance, local service needs and priorities for investment.

In conclusion, it is for NHS Boards to determine what clinical interventions they offer, while giving regard to the considerations above.