Atos Medicals - Questions, Answers and Support

[audiotech]

The DWP bod I spoke to said: "I don't understand this". "Nor do I" was the response.

Looking at some legal advice it's possible they've fucked-up. I do hope so.

A 2nd appeal will be going in to run concurrently with the first, yet to be heard.

Meanwhile, Atos are in my sights.

 

[panpete]

The DWP bod I spoke to said: "I don't understand this". "Nor do I" was the response.

Looking at some legal advice it's possible they've fucked-up. I do hope so.

A 2nd appeal will be going in to run concurrently with the first, yet to be heard.

Meanwhile, Atos are in my sights.

Best of luck with it audiotech.

 

[Quartz]

Despite recognising the fact that I have a "disability and, or health condition" this shower have stopped my benefits, so I now have no income as well! ​

How are you managing?

 

[culder]

Sorry to hear of your problems, Panpete and Audio.

But can I just say, Audio, that I really don't think Civil Service unions have anything to do with it. This is about a government that wants to save money by reducing the income of people who are ill, because it's so much easier to kick people when they're down. It's also quite easy for them to make it look as though it's someone else's fault...

It's the policy-makers you need to take issue with, not the people who are doing a job that's suddenly become repugnant to them.

 

[culder]

"Meanwhile, Atos are in my sights."

I'm with you there! I've been stuck in this limbo of a life since the beginning of the year, and this shit is still in my head every day. I used to believe that I was a reasonable, easy-going person, but now I find myself wanting to see that so-called medical professional stripped of her qualifications. At the very least, I want to know why this nurse would rather ruin people's lives than help to save them. That woman is very much in my sights.

 

[audiotech]

I know what is at fault here culder. With regards to any union member carrying out these measures? I said it's "frustrating" and it is still.

 

[panpete]

Sorry to hear of your problems, Panpete and Audio.

But can I just say, Audio, that I really don't think Civil Service unions have anything to do with it. This is about a government that wants to save money by reducing the income of people who are ill, because it's so much easier to kick people when they're down. It's also quite easy for them to make it look as though it's someone else's fault...

It's the policy-makers you need to take issue with, not the people who are doing a job that's suddenly become repugnant to them.

Thanks culder.
I hope you are not having too many difficulties.

 

[ViolentPanda]

"Meanwhile, Atos are in my sights."

I'm with you there! I've been stuck in this limbo of a life since the beginning of the year, and this shit is still in my head every day. I used to believe that I was a reasonable, easy-going person, but now I find myself wanting to see that so-called medical professional stripped of her qualifications. At the very least, I want to know why this nurse would rather ruin people's lives than help to save them. That woman is very much in my sights.

If you weren't normally a "reasonable, easy-going person", I doubt you'd be wanting justice quite so badly.
That's what the majority of people wanting this stopped are: reasonable people who've been pushed by shoddy standards and government stupidity into needing justice. Most of us aren't naturally vengeful people.

 

[memorex]

Hi, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread with links, information and advice. My partner has just gone through an Atos assessement and this tread has really helped us to get clued up about what to expect and how to deal with it.

It turned out OK for us, but I don't feel particularly great about that with so many good people being harrassed in this inhumane way. I sincerely hope it turns out well for everyone on here. Meanwhile we are doing what we can to pass on what we've learned and also to make people not directly affected by disability issues more aware of what is going on. Thanks again, and good luck to all of you.

 

[Greebo]

"Meanwhile, Atos are in my sights."

I'm with you there! I've been stuck in this limbo of a life since the beginning of the year, and this shit is still in my head every day. I used to believe that I was a reasonable, easy-going person, but now I find myself wanting to see that so-called medical professional stripped of her qualifications<snip>

FWIW Culder you know what made me so abrasive, cynical, and able to spot a trick question at 200 yards? The DSS, jobcentre, Benefits Agency, and their successors.

 

[ViolentPanda]

Hi, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread with links, information and advice. My partner has just gone through an Atos assessement and this tread has really helped us to get clued up about what to expect and how to deal with it.

It turned out OK for us, but I don't feel particularly great about that with so many good people being harrassed in this inhumane way. I sincerely hope it turns out well for everyone on here. Meanwhile we are doing what we can to pass on what we've learned and also to make people not directly affected by disability issues more aware of what is going on. Thanks again, and good luck to all of you.

Don't feel guilty of success. All you and your partner have done is secured justice. No-one should feel guilty about getting that, or be made to feel guilty by others about getting that. Me, I say "bloody good show! and congratulations"!!

 

[audiotech]

Had the opportunity to quote legal advice today to a DWP manager, who then said they would take it away and discuss it in a team briefing, as they weren't aware of it! Then told to go home by an employment advisor, as I wasn't "fit for work".

1-0 to the home team.

<retires to bed exhausted>

 

[audiotech]

Advice on recordings of Atos assessments and the importance of why? Because (its become obvious now and on the record ), Atos will then ensure that an 'experienced, well qualified Doctor' is chosen for the assessment.

 

[spirals]

Had a phone call from them on the 12th asking me to go for a medical with them. I explained that I was unable to attend as I am virtually house bound and that my conditions mean I am on the 'tentatively invite for a medical' list and I want a home visit. The lady tells me I need to get my gp to write to them saying I require a home visit and I explained I have an app coming soon with my gp which is only 2 days before the app they want me to go to is and that it won't be enough time to get it organised. She agrees and says she will phone back to arrange a date for my medical in about a weeks time. Only this morning a letter arrives from them asking me to go for a medical They haven't stuck to what was agreed to at all And I'm meant to trust them to deal with my case honorably?

 

[Greebo]

<snip>And I'm meant to trust them to deal with my case honorably?

No. Ring them up about this. The DWP letter may have hit the post before your phone call, seeing as they send everything 2nd class.

Tell them that you're still going to get a GP's letter requesting a home visit, and that you'll be sending a letter (1st class signed for, of course) to confirm the contents of the phone call (including at least the first name of the person you're speaking to, plus time and date of the call).

You shouldn't have to do this, and it's unfair, but sometimes you need to do more than what's fair to get the result you're after.

 

[spirals]

I phoned them up and told them that it wasn't what had been agreed on during the phonecall. I told them I would still be requesting a home visit, that I wanted it recorded and I would be having a witness. I asked them if the call had been recorded as I had been lied to and asked how on earth I was meant to trust them to deal with the information on my many and complex conditions when they couldn't even stick to a simple agreement over making an appointment. I am now waiting for a manager to call me back because apparently the lady I spoke to wasn't 'the right station' to be able to deal with my complaint. I also told them that I would be putting a complaint in writing.

I really, really don't need this at the moment

 

[Greebo]

(((Spirals))) I know you don't need this. It's unfair and it's cruel. OTOH come the day of the home visit, at least you'll have very good grounds for an appeal, if the person doing the medical writes that there's next to nothing wrong with you.

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

I phoned them up and told them that it wasn't what had been agreed on during the phonecall. I told them I would still be requesting a home visit, that I wanted it recorded and I would be having a witness. I asked them if the call had been recorded as I had been lied to and asked how on earth I was meant to trust them to deal with the information on my many and complex conditions when they couldn't even stick to a simple agreement over making an appointment. I am now waiting for a manager to call me back because apparently the lady I spoke to wasn't 'the right station' to be able to deal with my complaint. I also told them that I would be putting a complaint in writing.

I really, really don't need this at the moment

Don't know what to say. Haven't even got that far myself and feeling stressed at the mere thought of it.

Hope those idiots get you sorted soon

 

[spirals]

And they didn't phone back by 6 as promised so I've phoned them up again and I'm adding that to my complaint and am going to asked to be compensated for the amount of time I've had to spend on the phone sorting out their mistakes.

 

[audiotech]

Someone, I've yet to find out who and what medical expertise they have, overruled a letter from my GP requesting a home visit.

 

[audiotech]

And they didn't phone back by 6 as promised so I've phoned them up again and I'm adding that to my complaint and am going to asked to be compensated for the amount of time I've had to spend on the phone sorting out their mistakes.

The first letter of complaint I sent Atos, they stated they hadn't received it. I don't believe that for a moment. I have now sent them a copy, so that's two formal complaints in.

Also, despite stating that they enclose pre-paid envelopes for your reply. They didn't on the first occasion with me.

Any expenses for travelling, ensure you ask at reception, because Atos won't tell you about this on the day of your assessment. Well, they didn't me. I had to ask and was given a form to fill.

Remember too. If you go to a Medical Assessment Centre, Atos employees, not just the examiners, will be monitoring you, from when you first set foot in the grounds, nevermind the actual centre itself and they will still be monitoring you even when the medical assessment is over.

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Put in a formal complaint. I have. The first letter I sent Atos. They stated they hadn't received it. I don't believe that for a moment. I have now sent them a copy, so that's two formal complaints in.

Did you send it recorded delivery?

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Someone, I've yet to find out who and what medical expertise they have, overruled a letter from my GP requesting a home visit.

FFS. What's the point of having proof/GPs anything, if they just ignore it all. Suppose you need it all though for the inevitable appeals process

I've still not received forms to fill in

 

[spirals]

Put in a formal complaint. I have. The first letter I sent Atos. They stated they hadn't received it. I don't believe that for a moment. I have now sent them a copy, so that's two formal complaints in.

I will do, a manager finally called back, an hour and a half later than arranged and told me that I had been given the wrong information and apologised. I pointed out their mistake had caused a lot of stress and asked how I could trust what they told me in the future and he more or less said tough. If you want to take it further you can and gave me a number to call. I am going to complain in writing and I will send a letter to my mp at the same time.

 

[Greebo]

FFS. What's the point of having proof/GPs anything, if they just ignore it all. Suppose you need it all though for the inevitable appeals process

You've just answered yourself - prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.

I've still not received forms to fill in

Print them off the net and start working on the answers?

 

[audiotech]

Did you send it recorded delivery?

No. I'm not paying those costs.

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

You've just answered yourself - prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.

Well I knew that! Why do you think I've been stressing for weeks

Print them off the net and start working on the answers?[/quote]

Short on ink. Used the last dribble on printing my boarding pass

Could work on them obviously by just typing answers into a word document as a lot of what I write will be typed anyway as my wrists hurt too much to write and I lost writing ability years ago due to too much typing, but I'm trying to avoid it, even though I know, the earlier I start, the more time I'll have

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

No. I'm not paying those costs.

Perfectly understandable, but it is proof you sent it

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

The first letter of complaint I sent Atos, they stated they hadn't received it. I don't believe that for a moment. I have now sent them a copy, so that's two formal complaints in.

Also, despite stating that they enclose pre-paid envelopes for your reply. They didn't on the first occasion with me.

Any expenses for travelling, ensure you ask at reception, because Atos won't tell you about this on the day of your assessment. Well, they didn't me. I had to ask and was given a form to fill.

Remember too. If you go to a Medical Assessment Centre, Atos employees, not just the examiners, will be monitoring you, from when you first set foot in the grounds, nevermind the actual centre itself and they will still be monitoring you even when the medical assessment is over.

What about travel reimbursement for people accompanying claimant? Bet they don't pay those!

 

[audiotech]

FFS. What's the point of having proof/GPs anything, if they just ignore it all. Suppose you need it all though for the inevitable appeals process

I asked my GP if he would phone the Medical Centre and he kindly did, later phoned me at home to state that he had tried to get through three times, on the third time he was cut off. I rang Atos to complain and the person on the phone initially said a prior arrangement had to be made for a GP to talk to an Atos practicianer (no notice of this procedure has been given in writing, nor relayed verbally to me before), then she began to question what my GP had told me, I can only take that as this Atos employee was questioning both my GP and my honesty (that's in the complaint). I gather the Local Authority have had recent words with Atos, with regards to their "customer services".