For the second time in the space of a week, the likely closure of the in-patient service for patients with severe ME at the Queen's Hospital, Romford, has been raised in Parliament.
In a written question, the Countess of Mar asked the Government whether it intended to support measures to prevent the closure of the unit that provides in-patient treatment for severely disabled patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis at Queens' Hospital, Romford; and whether such treatment is available at any other unit in the United Kingdom.
In his written answer, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health Earl Howe replied on 23 May 2011:
The department does not make local decisions over the provision of healthcare; it is the responsibility of local health bodies to determine the most appropriate way to commission services to meet the needs of their local population.
Information on whether such treatment is available at any other unit in the United Kingdom is not collected centrally.
Mr Burstow's answer on same subject to Annette Brooke MP, 17 May 2011
Im about to decline a suggested 2yr stay there as I don’t feel it can accommodate the very ill very well. However Paul Bs response is outrageous. I can’t understand how they are allowed to be like this.