The political party the Scottish Liberal Democrats has voted in support of a motion about myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). This motion calls for several changes, including stopping graded exercise therapy as a treatment for ME in Scotland and reviewing the training of general practitioner doctors about ME. For more information, you can view the source article about this news here, at Action for M.E.’s website.
About Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, is a condition characterised by fatigue (extreme tiredness). However, ME can also be associated with a range of other, often severe, symptoms, such as muscle and joint pain, sleep problems, flu-like symptoms, dizziness, sickness, and heart palpitations, amongst others. The severity of symptoms can vary between people, and for one person over time.
ME can affect anyone and is most common in women.
The Motion on ME
The Scottish Liberal Democrats held a party conference that five people representing Action for M.E. attended. These were the charity’s Scotland Project Coordinator and four volunteers, who together hosted an information stand and met with MSPs, including the Scottish party leader.
At the conference, the party voted to support a motion about ME. The motion called for several actions, including the removal of graded exercise therapy from the Scottish Good Practise Statement, and for healthcare providers to stop using it in Scotland. However, removing cognitive behavioural therapy was not passed, and neither was a change about making pacing recommended.
In addition, the passed motion included a policy of investment by the Scottish Government in clinical networks and in a centre of excellence for research and care. It also called on the Scottish Government to carry out a review of the material NHS Education Scotland uses in training, and a GP training and education policy about ME. Lastly, the motion included a research program with investment in proportion to the burden of disease in Scotland.
What it Means
The passing of this motion makes it part of the official Scottish Liberal Democrat policy. As a result, their MSPs will support these aims in Scottish Parliament.
