{"id":17917,"date":"2018-08-30T09:14:36","date_gmt":"2018-08-30T09:14:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wames.org.uk\/cms-english\/?p=17917"},"modified":"2018-08-30T09:14:36","modified_gmt":"2018-08-30T09:14:36","slug":"afme-apologises-for-its-role-in-the-pace-trial-clarifies-its-change-of-position","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wames.org.uk\/cms-english\/afme-apologises-for-its-role-in-the-pace-trial-clarifies-its-change-of-position\/","title":{"rendered":"AfME apologises for its role in the PACE trial & clarifies its change of position"},"content":{"rendered":"

Action for M.E. statement on: The PACE trial and behavioural treatments for M.E.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"On 29th August 2018 Action for ME published a statement explaining the charity’s role in the PACE trial and apologising for their role in contributing to the stigma and misunderstanding of ME.\u00a0 Excerpts from the statement:<\/p>\n

Sonya Chowdhury, our Chief Executive since September 2012, says:<\/p>\n

‘By\u00a0having a role on the Steering Committee and Management Group, there was
\na de facto endorsement of the use of \u00a35m of research funding to
\nfocus on behavioural treatments. Neither I nor the current Board of
\nTrustees would agree to do this now, as reflected by our current
\nresearch strategy, the focus of which is collaborative biomedical
\nresearch.<\/p>\n

‘I am sorry that the charity did not advocate for this considerable
\nlevel of funding to be invested in biomedical research instead. It was
\nnever our intention to contribute to any stigma or misunderstanding
\nabout the illness and I sincerely apologise to those who feel that, in
\nnot speaking out sooner and more strongly, we have caused harm.<\/p>\n

‘Our position on recommending treatment and management approaches for
\nM.E. is set out below and, over the coming months, we will review all
\nour printed and online information to reflect this. This is no small
\ntask, but one that the team will prioritise and complete as quickly and
\ncomprehensively as we can.<\/p>\n

‘We will learn from our past mistakes. We will continue to provide
\npractical support to our Supporting Members and others with M.E., to
\nchallenge the stigma and neglect they experience, and work with
\nprofessionals and policy-makers to transform the lives of children,
\nyoung people and adults with M.E. in the future.’<\/p>\n

A summary of our position<\/p>\n

Action for M.E. does not support any treatment approach:<\/p>\n