Atos Medicals - Questions, Answers and Support

[ViolentPanda]

And I think that's why they sent your stuff back to the benefits office

Seriously, given the seriousness of your condition and the numerous fuck-ups reported in the press, someone's had a common sense moment.

Good for you

They've bottled it. Articulate bloke who knows his rights and has told them that he'll have his own physician with him during the "examination"? They're not touching that with a ten-foot pole!

 

[equationgirl]

They've bottled it. Articulate bloke who knows his rights and has told them that he'll have his own physician with him during the "examination"? They're not touching that with a ten-foot pole!

Well, that too

 

[ViolentPanda]

Well, that too

Yebbut, my point is, they've bottled it, but surely, if they stand by the efficacy of their testing regime and the accuracy of their software, then there's no reason whatsover for them to do so? Is this a (very) tacit and completely unofficial acknowledgement on the part of someone higher up the foodchain that their system can't stand even a low level of informed scrutiny "in the flesh" (as opposed to the Harrington enquiry, where it was paper testimony from both sides)?

Do you see what I'm saying?

 

[equationgirl]

Yebbut, my point is, they've bottled it, but surely, if they stand by the efficacy of their testing regime and the accuracy of their software, then there's no reason whatsover for them to do so? Is this a (very) tacit and completely unofficial acknowledgement on the part of someone higher up the foodchain that their system can't stand even a low level of informed scrutiny "in the flesh" (as opposed to the Harrington enquiry, where it was paper testimony from both sides)?

Do you see what I'm saying?

Oh, I completely see what you're saying No worries on that score.

It's just an abomination that there's probably 100 complainants who don't know their rights/have a relative trained in the medical profession for every savvy claimant like yardbird, and it's them I worry about.

 

[ViolentPanda]

Oh, I completely see what you're saying No worries on that score.

It's just an abomination that there's probably 100 complainants who don't know their rights/have a relative trained in the medical profession for every savvy claimant like yardbird, and it's them I worry about.

I agree, but it does provide a chink through which to erode their (contingent) credibility, and that of the DWP (and specifically the minister).

 

[equationgirl]

I agree, but it does provide a chink through which to erode their (contingent) credibility, and that of the DWP (and specifically the minister).

I feel so useless - I want to help more people fight for their entitlement but don't know what to do.

 

[ViolentPanda]

I feel so useless - I want to help more people fight for their entitlement but don't know what to do.

Any time you pass on a bit of information that helps someone, on here or IRL, you're doing a damn sight more than 99% of people are. Getting the word out matters. Finding and/or pointing out inconsistencies and flaws in policy and practice matter. Highlighting hypocrisy matters. The media may lay claim to the credit whenever the DWP gets it's arse kicked, but we know that a lot more goes on down at the grassroots that makes their grandstanding possible.

 

[Greebo]

Any time you pass on a bit of information that helps someone, on here or IRL, you're doing a damn sight more than 99% of people are. Getting the word out matters.<snip>

^This.

 

[equationgirl]

Any time you pass on a bit of information that helps someone, on here or IRL, you're doing a damn sight more than 99% of people are. Getting the word out matters. Finding and/or pointing out inconsistencies and flaws in policy and practice matter. Highlighting hypocrisy matters. The media may lay claim to the credit whenever the DWP gets it's arse kicked, but we know that a lot more goes on down at the grassroots that makes their grandstanding possible.

Thanks VP - and to Greebo and Minnie_the_Minx too. Will continue to put my research skills to some use in fighting the DWP and their idiocy

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Thanks VP - and to Greebo and Minnie_the_Minx too. Will continue to put my research skills to some use in fighting the DWP and their idiocy

Are you subsvribed to the Benefits and Work site? Has lots of handy info

 

[equationgirl]

Are you subsvribed to the Benefits and Work site? Has lots of handy info

Yes, and also 'abcofesa', which I've cross-posted to a few times on this thread.

I really want to find out more about the LIMA software, although atos are doing their damndest to keep it under wraps on the grounds of commercial confidentialty. Which is a bit rich considering how much the contracts are, and the fact that it's based on DWP forms.

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Yes, and also 'abcofesa', which I've cross-posted to a few times on this thread.

I really want to find out more about the LIMA software, although atos are doing their damndest to keep it under wraps on the grounds of commercial confidentialty. Which is a bit rich considering how much the contracts are, and the fact that it's based on DWP forms.

Oh right. Can't remember who recommended B&W website to me when I was looking for advice on filling in DLA form, but it was someone on here, although VP did give me lots of advice on how to word stuff as well, for which I'm forever thankful as was really panicking it would be turned down and I'd have to appeal

 

[equationgirl]

Oh right. Can't remember who recommended B&W website to me when I was looking for advice on filling in DLA form, but it was someone on here, although VP did give me lots of advice on how to word stuff as well, for which I'm forever thankful as was really panicking it would be turned down and I'd have to appeal

It was probably VP - he really knows his stuff. Sucks to be you DWP

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

It was probably VP - he really knows his stuff. Sucks to be you DWP

Probably

 

[yardbird]

I've sorted my immediate personal problem of an assessment by ATOS but I ain't going to let it be.
I shall keep my ear to the ground and stay in this thread because of the way I feel about a totally fucked system. Anything I come across of interest, I'll put here - problem is I keep thinking of nasty things to do to ATOS.

 

[equationgirl]

I've sorted my immediate personal problem of an assessment by ATOS but I ain't going to let it be.
I shall keep my ear to the ground and stay in this thread because of the way I feel about a totally fucked system. Anything I come across of interest, I'll put here - problem is I keep thinking of nasty things to do to ATOS.

You can't help being an instrument of karma, yardbird

I still think the best thing to do would be for everyone to request recording as per their entitlements. Use their system against them.

 

[ViolentPanda]

You can't help being an instrument of karma, yardbird

I still think the best thing to do would be for everyone to request recording as per their entitlements. Use their system against them.

And given that their own system requires them to record if you request it, and requires their "medical professional" to consent to being recorded, perhaps a spate of requests over the next year or so could produce an (unlikely in their contract calculations) effect by not only putting their whole 11 recorders under strain, but also making the so-called medical professionals think twice about what they're doing, and who they're working for, and deciding it isn't worth the candle.

 

[equationgirl]

And given that their own system requires them to record if you request it, and requires their "medical professional" to consent to being recorded, perhaps a spate of requests over the next year or so could produce an (unlikely in their contract calculations) effect by not only putting their whole 11 recorders under strain, but also making the so-called medical professionals think twice about what they're doing, and who they're working for, and deciding it isn't worth the candle.

Of course, we're assuming that they have 11 working recorders - and I suspect they don't. Could be catastrophic for them if even one recorder breaks down.

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Well, looks like it's time for me to start going into panic mode. Opened the post to find a letter saying to expect a phone call within 2 weeks re: assessment for ESA

Only opened letter a few hours ago and am already starting to feel stressed at the idea of another fucking form to fill in

How long are these forms anyway compared to a DLA one?

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

I'm looking through the B&W website at mental health.

Astonishingly, causing danger to yourself or others frequently does not score enough points
to be found to have limited capability for work, even though it would clearly make you a
danger in the workplace

This would have been one of my weapons against being suitable for work

So they could just go and stick someone on a factory floor and expect them to operate stuff safely? (Not that I think there's many factories in South London, but I'm trying to think what work they think would be suitable for someone with no short-term memory)

 

[Greebo]

Well, looks like it's time for me to start going into panic mode. Opened the post to find a letter saying to expect a phone call within 2 weeks re: assessment for ESA <snip>

OMFG! (((Minnie)))

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

OMFG! (((Minnie)))

You not got one yet then? I'm wondering it they're doing it alphabetically, and he's near start of alphabet

 

[Greebo]

You not got one yet then? I'm wondering it they're doing it alphabetically, and he's near start of alphabet

Not yet. And long may it continue to be that way (please Eris, just do this one thing for me).

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Not yet. And long may it continue to be that way (please Eris, just do this one thing for me).

See, I'm not sure who Eris is. I've not taken a huge amount of notice about what's been going on due to not wanting the worry as I have enough to worry about. Had my head stuck in the sand a bit, and although I knew his last DLA was awarded indefinitely, I suppose it just gave me a bit of a false sense of security about the IB even though I knew indefinitely shouldn't be confused with forever

 

[Greebo]

See, I'm not sure who Eris is. I've not taken a huge amount of notice about what's been going on due to not wanting the worry as I have enough to worry about. Had my head stuck in the sand a bit, and although I knew his last DLA was awarded indefinitely, I suppose it just gave me a bit of a false sense of security about the IB even though I knew indefinitely shouldn't be confused with forever

Answering in reverse order because it's easier. That is so unfair. Yet another bloody form and all the processing it involves just when neither you nor himself need it. I hope that you get the result you need without too much (ie, any) hassle or unreasonable delay.

FWIW Eris happens to be a greek goddess who I've got a lot of time for. It's a long story. Just file it under "slightly nuts".

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Came across this as well on Benefits and Work

Some people may be rather surprised that managing medication – a potentially life-threatening
activity – will only attract a low score whereas dressing and undressing, for example, will attract a
medium score.

 

[Greebo]

Came across this as well on Benefits and Work

*raised eyebrow, steepled fingers* Interesting...

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

I can't understand how it works. Was keeping me awake last night and was up 'til 3.30am reading the B&W website. Looks like he's eligible for the WRAG.

I don't understand the mental health bit and the scoring. It just doesn't make sense to me.

Fuck this bollocks

 

[yardbird]

I can't understand how it works. Was keeping me awake last night and was up 'til 3.30am reading the B&W website. Looks like he's eligible for the WRAG.

I don't understand the mental health bit and the scoring. It just doesn't make sense to me.

Fuck this bollocks

Makes no sense.
Period.
But then Chris Grayling thinks that people with mental health problems ("a bit depressed") just need a pat on the head and some work to "set them on the right path"

 

[WouldBe]

I'm looking through the B&W website at mental health.





This would have been one of my weapons against being suitable for work

So they could just go and stick someone on a factory floor and expect them to operate stuff safely? (Not that I think there's many factories in South London, but I'm trying to think what work they think would be suitable for someone with no short-term memory)

Things like leaving the gas on and not lighting it or not turning the gas off and putting empty pans back on the ring don't count either. You need to burn the house down before it does or at least that's the impression I got at my tribunal.