ME/CFS - seeking information on why these patients are denied access to specialist care
Dear Queensland Health,
I am seeking a copy of the documents, reasoning etc. that support the Department of Health's decision to exclude people with the neurological condition Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) from accessing specialist medical care at neurology clinics run by Queensland Health.
Yours faithfully,
Julie Keys
N.B.
Neurologists are able to objectively measure the brain function of people with ME/CFS using an EEG (electroencephalogram) and thereby enabling them to demonstrate their level of disability that is needed to obtain care and support.
Workwell Foundation: https://workwellfoundation.org/testing-f...
The World Health Organisation has categorised ME/CFS as neurological since 1969.
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Dear Julie,
You will need to complete and submit a Right to Information and Information Privacy Access Application form. Please send the completed form to [email address]. If the records you are seeking to access are not your own personal records, please note that a mandatory application fee is required. You can find more information about the fee structure at this link: http://www.rti.qld.gov.au/fees-and-charges
To streamline the application process, you may choose to complete the RTI application online by visiting the following link: https://www.smartservice.qld.gov.au/serv...
Please note that the Department of Health only has jurisdiction over public hospitals. If the records you are looking for are held by a private hospital, GP, or private specialist, we recommend contacting them directly. If you have any queries regarding the private system, you can reach out to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner's office at 1300 363 992 or visit their website: www.oaic.gov.au.
Kind Regards,
Travis Platz
Right to Information Support Officer
Privacy and Right to Information | GAIM Branch | Corporate Services Division | Queensland Health
Working hours Monday to Friday
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(07) 3082 0546
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(07) 2100 9545 (Teams)
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[email address]
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health.qld.gov.au
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Level 6, 33 Charlotte Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Queensland Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land across Queensland, and pays respect to First Nations Elders past, present and future
Dear Travis
I am seeking the information requested under the Freedom of Information Act.
I am not seeking any persons records.
It is common knowledge that people with the neurological disease (myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) as categorised by the World Health Organisation since 1969 ) are specifically excluded from being cared for by neurologists at Queensland Health.
I am seeking copies of the documents that were used as the basis to deny this group of patients with a neurological disease health care from a neurologist.
Yours sincerely,
Julie Keys
Dear Julie,
Queensland Health is a State agency and therefore falls under the jurisdiction of the Right to Information Act 2009 (Qld), not the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth). You will therefore need to make a Right to Information application for the requested documents at the previously advised link or by sending us a pdf copy of the application form. We confirm you are not seeking personal records of others, but you will still need to complete an application for the requested information.
Regards,
Travis