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Atos Medicals - Questions, Answers and Support

Disjecta Membra said:
Yeah she had a name badge on, she just seemed slightly uncomfortable when my mum pulled out her pen and pad, then read to us some stuff regarding documenting it which was mainly just, write if you want(for your reference) but it's meaningless beyond that , she then just reiterated the fact that had we given prior notice they would have provided recording equipment.
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and I wonder how long you have to wait for that then considering they only have 11 machines for 140+ centres? :D
 
Lol, really ! I had to wait an hr today, anyway if they deem me capable to do data inputting or some such i'll basically just be transfered to JSL getting the same money and they'll struggle to find me anything so it just kinda goes on i guess.
 
Minnie_the_Minx said:
So you talked for a long while but the physical test was really short?

You can't even use the examiner's name? I assume they introduce themselves, or you're just not allowed to use it in any appeal?
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The examiners name will be on the report to the DWP which you're entitled to have a copy of. :)
 
I've just had the call!

Asked me if I was the representative of Mr Blah Blah, and asked a few security questions.

Asked if I'd received letter informing of changes etc. and was told I would receive new form within 7-10 days and need to return it within 30 days.

Asked if it would a qualified doctor looking at forms and she said yes. Asked if he had a medical assessment would it be a qualified doctor or a nurse carrying it out. She said to make sure his condition was explained on form and if he got pulled for an assessment to make sure you request for a doctor. I asked if it would be a doctor who understands brain damage and she just said it would be a qualified doctor.

Funnily enough, she didn't ask to speak to him so he could authorise for me to speak on his behalf which often happens with utilities companies etc.
 
Disjecta Membra said:
Yeah she had a name badge on, she just seemed slightly uncomfortable when my mum pulled out her pen and pad, then read to us some stuff regarding documenting it which was mainly just, write if you want(for your reference) but it's meaningless beyond that , she then just reiterated the fact that had we given prior notice they would have provided recording equipment. Typically i was having a really good day physically as always with these things.
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Hi DM. your HCP was talking shite. While they can compel you to exclude their name, the whole "you can't use the notes at a tibunal" schtick is bull. here's the "official line" from the "Training & Development ESA Handbook" given to HCPs (apologies for the length):

*******​

Taking of Notes during an Examination by Claimant or Companion

From time to time you may encounter a situation where the claimant is
accompanied by a companion and either the claimant or companion may wish to
take notes during the assessment.
Persons who are entitled to be in attendance are always entitled to take notes.
This is because it is for their own purposes and not an official record of the
process.
To attempt to deny the right to do so is likely to be contrary to Human Rights
legislation.

To request a copy of the notes is unlikely to be helpful – it will place you in the
position where you will be obliged to review the notes and comment on their
reliability. However, you should record in the medical report, the fact that notes
were being taken. The following warning should also be given and the fact
documented in the report. LiMA will offer the phrases as an optional addition.
For any handwritten report, on the rare occasions when this is necessary, the
report should be annotated on the front cover.
Medical Services
ESA Handbook 1 Final
MED-ESAHB~001 Page 120

The form of words you should use has been clarified on legal advice. Please
replace any copies of existing desk aids you hold with the one incorporating the
following form of words:
“ Where notes are taken by you, we consider it of assistance to both myself, as
the examining practitioner, and yourself to point out the following:
1. It is your right to take notes for your own use and benefit.
2. The notes will not be included in the Report I make save for the fact that notes
were taken and further, they are not accepted by myself or the DWP as an official
record of this examination.
3. If the notes are subsequently produced at any time for any purpose, such as
part of an appeal process, I the Examining Practitioner, my employer and the
Dept of Work and Pensions reserve all rights to challenge anything in the notes in
the event we are asked to comment on the content of the notes at a future time.
4. You are free to use your notes as you choose but if you chose to publicise the
notes (other than in connection with correspondence with the DWP or under any
appeal procedure) I would ask that you do not publicise my name." (my emphases)

*******​

So, what your HCP was representing as your notes being useless, not accepted, that they "couldn't be used", is actually only the reservation of the HCP and their employer of their right to challenge your notes at an appeal or tribunal.

So, well done to your mam for taking notes, and fuck the lying bastards of the ATOS/DWP axis. ;)
 
Just what is it with their Saturday phone calls and mail deliveries? I've had instances of both. :mad: (((Minnie and Mr. Blah Blah)))
 
Libertad said:
Just what is it with their Saturday phone calls and mail deliveries? I've had instances of both. :mad: (((Minnie and Mr. Blah Blah)))
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Yep, form came on a Saturday as did this call. They obviously want to ruin your weekend :mad:

And what are Jobcentre staff doing working on a Saturday anyway other than ruining your weekend.

Oh, I also asked her if he had a medical assessment where would it be held. She just said probably somewhere near to your local job centre. I'm not convinced as I'm sure I've heard of people travelling miles for their assessment.
 
Libertad said:
Go for a home assessment and ask for the recording equipment Minnie.
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He's capable of getting to one if it's near public transport. Furthermore, it may be better having one away from home as going out will tire him out and surely that works to his advantage?

Being at home, relaxed and not tired may give a false impression whereas if he has to go out they'd have more idea of how it affects him?
 
Hi Greebo, and everyone else.

One of my problems is connecting with people, and it's got a lot worse since the whole ATOS thing started. As a result, I hardly ever switch my computer on these days, and I'm out of touch with almost everyone - including my own family on Facebook (the ones who don't live close by, like my daughter and my sister). Every now and then I feel able to switch on so that I can catch up with everyone, but of course it takes ages because I've left it so long.

Still nothing happening with my appeal yet. I did talk to Welfare Rights the other day, and they asked me to send them a copy of my ATOS medical report so that they could have a look and see what needs to be discussed. I had two copies anyway (because the DWP sent me a second one by mistake - nothing like wasting tax-payers' money!), so I passed one on to Welfare Rights and they said they'll contact me in the next week or so, to arrange a time to talk it through with them.

That will at least feel like progress! They also asked me to phone the DWP to find out where my appeal is in the system, but all I've had so far is, "Thank you for holding, your call will be answered as soon as possible..." Gah!!
 
culder said:
That will at least feel like progress! They also asked me to phone the DWP to find out where my appeal is in the system, but all I've had so far is, "Thank you for holding, your call will be answered as soon as possible..." Gah!!
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:mad::(
 
Anyone see this from the B&W website

Last week saw an attack on the site by a national newspaper. We’re giving no details yet as we’ve complained to the editor and will, as in the past, refer the matter to the press complaints commission if necessary.

On Sunday the site slowed down considerably because all the publically accessible pages were being downloaded by a crawler company which specialises in finding and analysing comments about its multinational clients. Their clients can then take action to protect their reputations. We have now blocked the crawler company’s access.
Click to expand...
 
culder said:
<snip>Still nothing happening with my appeal yet. I did talk to Welfare Rights the other day, and they asked me to send them a copy of my ATOS medical report so that they could have a look and see what needs to be discussed. I had two copies anyway (because the DWP sent me a second one by mistake - nothing like wasting tax-payers' money!), so I passed one on to Welfare Rights and they said they'll contact me in the next week or so, to arrange a time to talk it through with them.

That will at least feel like progress! They also asked me to phone the DWP to find out where my appeal is in the system, but all I've had so far is, "Thank you for holding, your call will be answered as soon as possible..." Gah!!
Click to expand...
Hello culder, I hope you don't have to wait much longer. FWIW it's worth going through with the appeal. Not just for the money (which you need), but for the principle of the thing and to have the DWP acknowledge that you really are as ill as you've said.
 
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