Ashley Dalton MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention has issued a letter to coincide with the 22nd July 2025 publication of the ME/CFS Delivery Plan.
Dear all,
Publication of the myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) final delivery plan
I am pleased to inform you that today we are publishing our ME/CFS Final Delivery Plan.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the ME/CFS Task and Finish Group for all your valuable support and collaboration throughout this process, including on the Interim Delivery Plan and, the 2023 consultation and, more recently, the four meetings that took place from January to April this year. The input you have provided, including personal experience from a patient and carer point of view, has been invaluable, and is appreciated by Ministers and the policy team.
As you will be aware, the responses to the ME/CFS consultation, along with continued close engagement with stakeholders including the Task and Finish Group, working across government, the NHS and beyond, has informed the development of the ME/CFS Final Delivery Plan. The plan focuses on boosting research, improving attitudes and education, and bettering the lives of people with this debilitating disease. It also sets out a series of actions, which will help address the key challenges and drive forward improvements to outcomes and quality of life for people living with ME/CFS in England.
People living with ME/CFS often face stigma and misunderstanding, stemming from a lack of awareness and education about the condition. This lack of awareness and understanding can significantly impact the quality and availability of services and support for those affected.
Research too will be particularly important in helping to improve understanding of the condition, informing improved diagnosis, the development of new effective treatments and better support for patients. In this respect, the plan sets out a long-term vision for a coordinated, well-funded, and inclusive research environment that reflects the complexity and severity of ME/CFS.
On education and awareness, the plan commits to increasing knowledge of ME/CFS among public sector professionals, as well as the wider public, by ensuring that information and learning resources are up to date, publicised and signposted.
Through a range of actions, the plan also commits to: improving the quality and accessibility of health services and adult social care; appropriate and timely support for children and young people in education; and helping people with ME/CFS to find and maintain employment.
We have a clear commitment to ensure that people with long-term conditions like ME/CFS can live as independently as possible and see their overall quality of life enhanced. This plan will help us take an important step towards achieving this. We have listened very carefully to you, and we acknowledge there is more to be done. We will continue to build on the foundations of these actions well beyond the publication of this plan.
The publication of this plan marks the beginning of a journey ahead to bring about real and positive change to the ME/CFS community. I look forward to continuing our collaboration and hope to have your continued support as we move forward into the vital implementation stage, and work to deliver on the actions set out in the plan.
