12 May 2011
A summary of recent M.E. related stories in the news. Headlines appearing in the media as dated.
Benefit medical test needs urgent reform
A new report published by six charities, including Forward M.E., says that the current medical test for benefits, the Work Capability Assessment, is unsuitable for people with fluctuating conditions including MS, M.E., Parkinson’s disease, Aids and arthritis. The report makes 12 recommendations, including changing the descriptors used in the Work Capability Assessment to take into account the fluctuating nature of these illnesses.
BBC Radio 4, You and Yours
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00gw5pj
11/05/11
Hardest Hit march
Thousands of disabled people, angry about Government welfare reforms, took part on the Hardest Hit march to protest against cuts and changes to benefits. Around 2,000 people also signed up to lobby their MP after the march.
Guardian, online
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/may/11/disabled-marchers-thousands-benefits-protest?INTCMP=SRCH
11/05/11
Social care services in danger
Saga director Dr Ros Altmann says that stalling the Health and Social Care Bill would lead to the collapse of social care services, and that these services must be properly integrated with the NHS to prevent the most vulnerable in society being put at risk.
Telegraph, online
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8507728/NHS-will-collapse-without-reform-warns-Saga.html
11/05/11
Much more research needs to be done
Kay Gilderdale, whose daughter Lynn had severe M.E., talks about coping with the illness and how much more research needs to be done. Action for M.E. is raising funds to set up a biobank for M.E. research, says Chief Executive Sir Peter Spencer, while the lack of diagnostic test and ready cure contributes to misunderstanding around M.E.
Sheilds Gazette, p 22
10/05/11
Call for research funding
In a letter to the editor, Dr John Greensmith, says that Colin Barton’s call for increased funding for M.E. research is long overdue.
Brighton Argus, p 10
12/05/11
M.E. Awareness Week
In a letter to the editor, Jenny Gilmore highlights M.E. Awareness Week, and says more information about M.E. can be found at www.afme.org.uk.
Yorkshire Post, p 12
12/05/11
Wakefield and District Fibromyalgia Support Group
June Chivers, who has fibromyalgia, will mark M.E. Awareness Day with a mini Olympics event called the Fibrolympics, with a game of Paralympic sport Boccia, a game similar to bowls but played from a seated position. June is the founding member of Wakefield and District Fibromyalgia Support Group.
Yorkshire Evening Post, p 24
11/05/11
A completely different person
Alicia Adcock, 21, was diagnosed with M.E. when she was 11 and complex regional pain syndrome when she was 17. She says she has recovered with the help of the Lightning Process, and that she is now a completely different person.
Nottingham Post, p 6
12/05/11
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The information contained within each press summary is provided for your personal information only. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Action for M.E.
