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Woman's death exposes need for ME care reforms

Woman's death exposes need for ME care reforms

Independent2 days ago
The UK government has pledged to overhaul care for individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), acknowledging that many currently struggle to access appropriate support.
This commitment follows the death of 27-year-old Maeve Boothby-O'Neill, who died from severe malnutrition due to ME, prompting a coroner to highlight systemic issues.
The inquest into Miss Boothby-O'Neill's death revealed a critical lack of specialist beds, 'extremely limited' training for doctors, and insufficient funding for ME/CFS research and treatment.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is set to publish a new plan outlining steps to improve patient care, including new training for NHS staff and investment in research.
While public health minister Ashley Dalton welcomed the plan, the charity Action for ME criticised it for not going 'far enough,' advocating for a dedicated, funded research hub to find treatments and cures.
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