What steps will be taken to improve access to allowances and assistance for carers of people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue…

Answered Asked by Christine Grahame SNP Lodged 19 Apr 2004

The question

To ask the Scottish Executive what steps will be taken to improve access to allowances and assistance for carers of people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, in light of the report by the 25% ME Group, Severely Affected ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) Analysis Report on Questionnaire Issued January 2004
- Analysis Report, published on 1 March 2004.

The answer

Answered by Tom McCabe on 4 May 2004 · 15 days after it was lodged, 1 day after it was due

The Community Care and Health(Scotland) Act 2002 gives significant new rights for carers, including an assessment,at any time, of their own support needs, independent of the needs of the personfor whom they are caring. NHS boards and local authorities are required to informcarers of their right to assessment and to provide this to all carers, irrespectiveof the condition affecting the person cared for. The act also places duties on theNHS to provide information to carers on their rights of support, including financialsupport. This will help carers to access services and support earlier.

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-07583 by reference.