Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to promote greater awareness of fibromyalgia among (a) the medical profession, (b) government departments and (c) employers.

There are no specific plans to promote greater awareness of fibromyalgia. There is National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance available on the diagnosis and management of chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia. NICE promotes guidance via its website, newsletters and other media. NICE guidelines represent best practice and health professionals, including general practitioners, are expected to take them fully into account.

There are also a range of initiatives to support greater employer awareness of health conditions such as fibromyalgia, including the Information and Advice Service which provides better integrated and tailored guidance on supporting and managing health and disability in the workplace.