23 March 2011
A summary of recent M.E. related stories in the news. Headlines appearing in the media as dated.
Doctors ignoring new fit note system
Lord Freud has admitted that GPs are ignoring the new ‘fit note’ system to get patients back to work quicker. Doctors say they do not want to take responsibility for ‘policing’ patients. A Government review of sickness absence, due later in the later, will look at how fit notes might be made more effective.
Telegraph, online
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/hr-news/8395801/Fit-note-ignored-by-many-doctors-Lord-Freud-warns.html
22/03/11
US research projects investigating M.E.
More than 100 scientists, researchers and patient advocates are expected to attend a workshop on M.E./CFS at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Research projects currently being undertaken into the illness in the US include developing a diagnostic test, indentifying pathogens and studying viruses linked to M.E./CFS.
Wall Street Journal, online
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703858404576214443015558976.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
22/03/11
MP of the month
Redcar MP Ian Swales, who successfully tabled a motion to debate M.E. in Parliament, has been named MP of the month by Total Politics magazine.
Teeside Evening Gazette, p 5
22/03/11
Starting to recover
Mandy Gill was diagnosed with CFS and fibromyalgia after failing to recover from swine flu and laryngitis. She used mickel therapy to help her start to recover, and has launched her own website, hoping to inform other people about the illness.
Derby Telegraph, p 16 and 19
23/03/11
New Leicester group
Felicity Middleton, who has M.E., has set up a support group to help other people with the illness in Leicester. For more information, call 07812 160220.
Leicester Mercury, online
22/03/11
Charity mountain walk
Seventeen year old Charly Poole has had M.E. for four years. But in July she is determined to walk up Moel Famau in north Wales to raise money for the M.E. Association, even though she knows is may make her symptoms worse.
Wirral News, online
http://www.wirralnews.co.uk/wirral-news/local-wirral-news/2011/03/22/wirral-girl-defies-me-illness-to-set-sponsored-walk-challenge-80491-28383664/
22/03/11
PACE trial results
Michael Sharpe, speaking about the PACE trial findings reported in The Lancet, claims that the study proves CBT and graded exercise therapy.
Therapy Today, p 6
01/03/11
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