15 November 2011
A summary of recent M.E. related stories in the news. Headlines appearing in the media as dated.
Unable to work and fighting for support
David Johnson, 50, was a founding director of an electronic engineering company. But in 1990 he became ill with CFS and had to give up working in 2007, applying successfully for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Now, following reassessment, David has been found fit for work despite a report from an occupational therapist who said that "any attempt to return to work would not be sustainable and would further compromise his physical and mental health."
Yorkshire Evening Post, p 8-9
15/11/11
Benefit test unable to measure fluctuating conditions
The Work Capability Assessment is causing stress and anxiety for many disabled people. Professor Malcolm Harrington, who is leading an independent review of the assessment, has said that the test is unable to adequately measure fluctuating conditions such as M.E. and HIV.
Big Issue in the North, p 18-20
07/11/11
Raising money for Action for M.E.
Caroline Fiennes of Manor Farm, Bishops Caundle, has raised money for Action for M.E. by holding a Christmas fair at her home. “We were thrilled with the response,” says Caroline. “We had more than 100 people through the door and raised more than £180 for Action for M.E. The support was superb and we have decided to run another fair in the spring.”
Sherborne Western Gazette, p 12
10/11/11
Teenage girl diagnosed with M.E. following vaccination
Lucy Hicks, 13, is in what her parents describe as a ‘waking coma’ after being given the cervical cancer vaccine Cervarix. After tests to rule out other conditions, doctors have diagnosed Lucy with M.E./CFS. Jackie Fletcher, from pressure group JABS, has called for Cervarix vaccinations to be halted until it can be established that they are absolutely safe.
Daily Mail, p 29 and online
15/11/11
As above
The Sun, p 26
15/11/11
As above
Metro Scotland, p 5 and online
15/11/11
As above
The Daily Telegraph, p 15 and online
15/11/11
Cause of CFS is unknown
In response to a letter from a worried reader whose husband has had CFS for seven years, Torah scholar, author and psychiatrist Rabbi Abraham Twerski explains that anti-depressants may help, though this does not mean that he is depressed. “Since the cause is unknown and there is no specific treatments, you try different things,” he continues.
Hamodia, p 15
10/11/11
GMC rules against Dr Andrew Wright
A General Medical Council fitness to practise panel has ruled against Dr Andrew Wright, a GP who treated patients for CFS, because he ignored evidence-based medicine. The sanction to be imposed will be decided at a later date.
British Medical Journal (BMJ), p 967
12/11/11
Christmas charity event
Milton Keynes 2011 Theatre District Christmas event, 4pm, Sunday 27 November offers entertainment including Guinness World Record Holder professional freestyle footballer Daniel Cutter and the MK Parkour Display Team. This year's charity is the Association of Young People with M.E.
Milton Keynes Citizen, online
14/11/11
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