As part of the coalition Forward-ME, MEAction UK is pleased to share below, the latest statement from the group regarding this week’s pause by NICE of new Guideline publication.

ME CHARITIES BAFFLED BY DELAY TO NICE GUIDELINE

Statement on the delay to publication of the NICE Guidelines on diagnosis and management of ME

On Behalf of: Forward ME, Action for ME, ME Association, Doctors for ME, ME Research UK.

We are shocked and hugely disappointed to hear that the long-awaited NICE guidelines have been unexpectedly delayed at the last minute.

The new NICE guidelines bring clinical practice up to date with current scientific knowledge regarding ME**. Delays will hold-off still further the desperately needed improvements to patient care.

Many medical professionals, researchers and patient representatives have spent 3 years diligently reviewing and assessing the evidence.

The document has been approved by the committee and should be published.

The document  removes support for therapies driven by outdated views regarding treatment for ME which are no longer supported by the science. We understand these new guidelines may take time to become accepted by elements of the medical community, but they should not be delayed.

No minority party should be able to undermine the careful scientific consensus established by the NICE committee and the rigorous work that has been undertaken in good faith.

We urge NICE to publish this important work without delay, so doctors can get on and support patients with this often devastating disease.

Quote: 

Ms Nina Muirhead, head of medical education, Doctors for ME said: “Doctors are in desperate need of improved support in how to care for patients, delaying that prolongs unscientific approaches which have no place in our medical community”.

Said Sonya Chowdhury of Action for ME: “We are in the dark about this. The NICE committee has worked hard to produce balanced guidelines which reflect science and best medical practise. Nobody should be able to undermine that.”

NOTE:  **also know as Chronic fatigue syndrome

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