21 November 2011
A summary of recent M.E. related stories in the news. Headlines appearing in the media as dated.
ESA system beset by "endless" appeals
The system set up by the Government to award Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is beset by "endless and repeated" appeals as claimants are found fit for work at assessment but unfit for work at appeal before being immediately reassessed.
Channel 4 News, online
21/11/11
Independent assessors, not GPs, should sign sick notes
An independent Government review, due to be published this week, will recommend that people be signed off for long-term sick leave by an independent assessor rather than their GP, and that a job-finding service should match people with long-term conditions to suitable work.
Guardian, online
19/11/11
Dr Mikovits arrested and jailed
Dr Judy Mikovits, the US researcher who found a possible link between XMRV and CFS, is in jail after being arrested in Ventura County, California. Her lawyer says Dr Mikovits is being held for extradition to Nevada in relation to a civil lawsuit filed against her by the Whittemore Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease.
ScienceInsider, online
19/11/11
Raising money for a mobility scooter
Seven years ago, Paul Gray, an active father of two, was forced to give up his job when he became ill with M.E. To help raise money for a mobility scooter for Paul, who has to use crutches to get around, his friends organised a fun day at Castle Hotel, Ladybank, on Saturday.
This is Tamworth, online
19/11/11
Isolated and forgotten
In a letter to the editor, Malcolm Chapman, who has been housebound for a year with CFS, says he feels isolated and forgotten, with no consultant in the local area focusing on the illness.
Colchester Daily Gazette, online
18/11/11
Spare a thought for people with M.E.
In a letter to the editor, Dr John Greensmith, M.E. Community Trust, asks readers to spare a thought for people with M.E. at Christmas. “It is a testing time for all individuals and relationships, which is exacerbated to intolerable when one is constantly ill,” he says.
Derbyshire Times, online
20/11/11
As above
Bakewell Today, online
20/11/11
As above
Yorkshire Post, p 10
21/11/11
As above
Birmingham Mail, p 18
19/11/11
Vulnerable man robbed on way home
Thief Daniel Ellison attacked Paul Usher, who has CFS and is partially deaf, as he cycled home, stealing his wallet. Hearing the case at Derby Crown Court, Judge Michael Fowler said Ellison had targeted a "particularly vulnerable victim."
Derby Telegraph, p 31
19/11/11
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