ESA Medical - DISGUSTING TREATMENT!

Hubby's medical was postponed twice and went yesterday for 3pm app. Naturally he was in a state, he hadn't slept for two nights and was a nervous wreck just walking through a small section of our town to get to venue (suffering depression due to injuries). After an hour of waiting the lady (who was very very nice) on reception came to us and said did we want to leave for 20 mins as there was someone else before us still and she would ring if needed back urgently. Hubby was having major difficulty sitting anyway due to his back/neck problems so we went next door for cuppa and fresh air. Came back at 4.15 and waiting until 5. Lady came out again saying she was very sorry doc was taking so long and she would see him to see if we were infact GOING TO BE SEEN!!! I said to her, I hope so, as he couldnt go through this again. She came out saying he wouldnt have time to see him and we had to make another appointment. I went spare! Not shouting, but almost in tears said he should be reported for his disgraceful treatment of people with such problems (he was only one dealing with depression and associated problems). We got another appointment for June! Hubby was already making his way out of the building in a right state and I had to go find him as we were waiting for son to pick us up. He just slumped into back of car as his head had been pounding and as soon as we came home, up to bed with his meds.

I'm sure I had read on here about ATOS docs being over worked - perhaps they are now going on a go slow in protest - just a disgrace that they are putting peoples health in a worse state by doing this.

I will complain, and have a letter already written to go off. Just wanted to sound off.

Hi Maximus,

Good luck with your complaint.

It might be worth contacting Atos and asking them to arrange the first slot in the morning for your husband's appointment so you can be sure he will be seen.

If they refuse to do this, tell them thst you're asking for it as a reasonable adjustment under the disability dicrimination act. See our guide to 'Getting better treatment from the DWP' in the members area for more about this.

Good luck,

Steve

Thanks Steve. I was just waiting for the official letter to come through with the new date and will ring them for an early slot as you state. At least that way we should get out by 5!!!!!

Things are now heating up in the household again. ESA revised medical date received for Thursday - earliest slot given 12.30pm! but hopefully they shouldnt be too over run by then

OH visited gp today for meds and update re his many physical treatments on going and he advised OH that he has had 'lots of contacts' from DWP departments (plural) I can only think of two myself, in that he has an IIB decision for bursitis being 'looked at again' (been with them for over 6 weeks now!) probably prior to appeal! and also his ESA medical being due. I have looked through the documentation on site but cannot see anything which tells you what they ask from your GP. Is it a basic questionnaire or does he have to send an 'essay'?? We did do as B&W suggested, many weeks ago, and dropped GP a note - quite long however, as it concerns problems going back over 20 years which have got OH to this position now, which he was very grateful for (he said), and we just have no idea what the 'contacts' would have been - unfortunately OH was so upset (as he still gets when talking about situation) that once he had gone through his list of things he needed to sort with GP, he never asked which departments or what the 'contacts' were for. ANY IDEAS?? and any final tips for up coming medical? Ive gone through completed questionnaire with OH and also your guides as best we can, but is there anything new on the horizon that we should be aware of? Any help is appreciated.

Hi

Sorry to hear of you and your husbands woes.

I suggest that you write to the DWP and ask for a copy of your husbands case notes to date. Send it registered post....

You could consider also asking for a home visit due to distress that was caused last time with the cancelled visit.

Good Luck

Charlie

Unfortunately Charlie, we wont have time to get these before the medical even by registered post (which they probably would not do). But I may ask when we get to medical, if not, I will write. If there is any hassle this time, they will definitely have to do a home visit!! Thanks for your input. I really appreciate it.