Question Without Notice No. 171 asked in the Legislative Council on 22 March 2011 by Hon Lynn Maclaren
Parliament: 38 Session: 1
THEDA MYINT — MEDICAL CONDITION
171. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the minister representing the Minister for Health:
I refer to a constituent of mine, 34-year-old Theda Myint, and her long-running struggle to gain access to appropriate treatment for her very serious case of myalgic encephalomyelitis, commonly called ME/CFS because it includes a form of chronic fatigue syndrome.
(1) Does the minister accept that Ms Myint’s condition is such that the process of going into an emergency ward causes a range of physical difficulties for her, given her very frail state and the reactions to noise, light and chemicals that are associated with the condition?
(2) If no to (1), which ME/CFS experts, if any, has the minister consulted to form that view?
(3) If yes to (1), why, then, does the minister fail to act to fix the situation whereby Ms Myint can obtain relief from some of the symptoms of her condition only when admitted as an emergency patient at Fremantle Hospital?
(4) Is the minister aware that continuing delays in dealing with this matter have recently led to Ms Myint attempting suicide on a number of occasions?
(5) Will the minister act urgently to ensure that Ms Myint is able to access treatment at home?
Hon HELEN MORTON replied:
I thank the member for some notice of this question. I provide the answer that has been provided to me by the Minister for Health.
(1)–(5) The Minister for Health has indicated that he is unable to comment on the specifics of this case due to patient confidentiality requirements. Ms Myint is encouraged to continue to seek help from either a general practitioner or the public hospital system.