I’m pleased to announce that I have joined Action for ME’s Parliamentary Champion Network.
As the SNP’s Spokesperson for Health and Social Care at Westminster, I’m keen to highlight the work of this charity focused on supporting people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, funding research and working closely with parliamentarians to secure positive change.
I recently met with the Charity’s CEO, Sonya Chowdhury, to discuss their work and learn more on M.E., which is also commonly referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
M.E. is a chronic, fluctuating disease, causing symptoms such as post-exertional malaise, sleep problems, problems with thinking and memory, pain and crushing fatigue. Simple physical or mental activities, or combinations of activities, can leave people with M.E. feeling utterly debilitated, with one in four people with this condition so severely affected that they are house or bedbound.
From my time working in the health service, I have seen people, including colleagues, affected by M.E. and the stigma and misunderstanding they can face.
I was concerned to hear more about the inconsistent implementation of NICE guidelines, as well as the fact that M.E. disproportionately affects women and can also affect children. Research such as DecodeME at the University of Edinburgh offers an important opportunity to improve understanding of the illness and support future progress. As the world’s largest study, it offers hope for sufferers as well as highlighting the need for strategic support from governments.
I’m keen to highlight this important work happening in Scotland alongside a transformational study launched by NHS Highland which provides a virtual support service for sufferers which has been described as potentially life changing. Importantly, the Scottish Government have committed to a new year on year investment of £4.5 million to Boards across Scotland to have maximum impact on delivery of new specialist support for M.E.
As a Parliamentary Champion for Action for ME at Westminster, I’m keen to share information on Scotland’s approach, and I look forward to working with the charity to press for greater recognition, better services and improved support for everyone affected by M.E.
