Hi,
After reading lots here about the experience of others I thought I would let you know mine which may or may not help others feel better about their upcoming DLA medical?
First I would like to ask the Mods if they can help with the following questions:
1. If my application is successful and I am awarded DLA, can I still request a copy of the EMP report of my medical examination?
2. Can or will the EMP report be used for my change from IB to ESA?
Yesterday I went for my DLA medical at an ATOS Examination Centre in the Midlands. I had been refused any level of DLA some weeks ago and I had sent in my request for Appeal to Tribunal.
I was contacted by letter to say they were reconsidering my application first and would be asking my GP for a full report.
Some weeks later I received a letter with an appointment at my local ATOS Exam Centre for a medical and this is after them having reports from all kinds of Specialists.
I decided I would go to the Centre rather than ask for a home medical and in a way I am glad I did. I arrived about 1 minute before my appointment time, the reception area was a large dank windowless room which had more than 20 people waiting.
I heard the receptionist tell someone that she was very sorry but the current wait is around 45 minutes as their 6 Examiners were running late.
Unbelievably, bang on my appointment time I was called by a foreign doctor and taken to his room. He was friendly, very polite, put me at my ease, asked endless questions about how my various conditions effect me, and took his time to make masses of notes.
Then he apologised but said he would need to examine me fully which he did. Finally he apologised once again if he had made me hurt and told me he was finished.
Throughout he said that if I was unable to do anything it was not a problem and I should simply say so (which I did at various times).
Finally, he said I should hear in about 2 weeks but he had no control at all over the outcome of my application. My carer and I were in there with him for 1 hour and 20 mins and I have to say the experience was not as bad as I had expected, though the Exam Centre itself was horrible.
When I came out to the waiting room many of the people who were there when I went in, were still waiting which I found inceredible.
Sorry to have gone on so long but hope this may help others who are soon to have medicals?
Bill
