Complaint to Atos.....apology received

Hi Everyone,

Over the past year I have had Dla & Esa refused both said it was on the strength of the "report" from Atos. The medical report stated the usual stuff that everyone else appears to be getting, it read like it was about somebody else and said that even though I have progressive illnesses, physical and mental disabilities I could go back to work within 3 months.
Once I got the copy of the medical report (quite some time ago)I emailed Atos with a very strong complaint detailing the mistakes that were on it, followed up by a hard copy of the email posted to them. I have today received an apology from them, it is a long letter so will just quote parts of it.

" I would like to convey my sincerest apologies for the upset caused as a result of your assesment"

"Ms **** has advised she did incorrectly record some of your statements and this has been brought the attention of Ms **** manager who has agreed to take appropriate action"

"The report was referred to Dr ***** for review and he has noted that the inaccuracies and omissions have been wrongly used by Ms ****"

"Dr ***** is of the opinion that this casts doubt over the validity of Ms **** opinion and undermines its credibility in providing advice for your claim"

"It has been agreed we will bring this matter to the attention of the decision maker for consideration of appropriate action"

I have already sorted out my benefits situation before receiving this letter so will wait and see if the Dla/Esa do take any further action but it just goes to prove if you do not agree with the medical report, it is well worth voicing a complaint to Atos.
If I had to go to an appeal hearing and I had that letter in hand I am sure they could not refuse.

So for everyone who is going through the nightmare that I have just been through it is well worth reading the guides on here and not only fighting your corner with Dwp but complain to Atos it may just help your case if you can prove that the medical report is utter rubbish, as we all know most of them are.

Good luck,

Sue

Hi Sue

That is very encouraging news. Well done for pushing you complaint and succeeding, and thanks for letting us all know.

Derek

Good for you Sue! I'm really glad you had the strength of character to do that!

Hopefully other people will be encouraged to do the same now.

Best wishes,
Rachel

Hi Rachel,
Thanks, sometimes it does wear you down but if you feel like that, just deal with it another day. That is how I found the strength to do it. If my situation helps just one more person then it was all worth it.
I think it's also important for others to see that you can succeed if you fight them.

Kind regards

Sue

Well done Sue.

I hope you sent a copy to your MP so that slowly 'they' may begin to realise how incompetent ATOS can be.

best wishes, Lisa

Fantastic news Sue!!

Its a great shame that this information can't be passed onto the media that are accusing the sick and disabled as scroungers, but i guess it would be classed as an isolated case!!!

My medical with atos was dreadful and i felt they were talking about someone else, but after reading this i would in future put my complaint in writing to atos. I found B&W after my medical and just in time for my appeal, but i am thankful i did and it was purely by accident.

Well done you are an inspiration to others!!

Mm