The NI MEA has already met with the Health Spokesperson for one of the Political Parties in the Assembly in October. The Association was contacted and invited to give a presentation on 11th October in Parliament Buildings, and this was delivered by the Chair, Ken Hull and Committee member, Horace Reid. The prepared document focused again on the NICE guidelines, and also highlighted the lack of services and facilities for those with ME here in the Province, and particularly the absence of any specialist provision for children and young people with ME. It also outlined the fact that the Guidelines has stipulated that every child or young person with for ME has to be seen by a paediatrician, and that at present there are no full clinical facilities available anywhere in Northern Ireland.
The NI MEA has also been invited to attend a meeting with the Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride, and this is taking place on Monday 11th November at the CMO's office at Stormont. Once again the NI MEA will be represented by the Ken Hull and Horace Reid, and the NI Administrator will also be taking part in the discussions. It is hoped to once again discuss the need for proper diagnosis, treatment and management for those with ME, for proper clinical provision, and the setting up of additional clinics in other parts of the Province.
The Association has also received an invitation to make another presentation to the full Assembly Health Committee on Monday 26th November, again at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. This followed on after the Association wrote to members of the Health Committee in August and September to highlight the on-going problems for ME patients in the Province. Once again, we will be represented by Ken Hull and Horace Reid, and it is hoped that another member of the NI MEA Committee will be well enough to attend.
Further information will be posted after these meetings take place.
