Discriminated by DLA Medical services

Blakespops

Hi all, Due to severe back problems that I have been told may need surgery I placed a claim for DLA. After what seemed like a long time I got a call asking me to attend a medical in Preston, when I attended in the wheelchair as I could not walk due to pain the Gents at reception said would have to get someone from Medical Services to come down and talk to me in the reception area, when they came down I was informed that as I could not walk and the exam was on 4th floor I was a fire risk and could not be seen and was sent away. Eventually they sent a doctor to my home and were examined, now I have been awarded lower rate care component as they say I need help getting dressed and am unable to cook, but they state I can walk in my own time safely, can carry with no problem and am ok to bath and wash myself.

I just do not understand how a department that deals with disabled benefits can treat people the way they treated me, the Disability discrimination act should have stopped it but they seem to have not bothered trying to comply with it.

Having made an appointment with my local advice centre I informed DLA that an appeal would be made against the award and I was wondering what any of you think of the way the medical was handled. What could be done about it as having all that happen in the public reception area is so degrading and made me feel like a third rate citizen.

foxxymynx

Perhaps getting intouch with CAB for help on DDA claims?

[Deleted User]

Def get additional advice as Foxxy suggests. I found this site which may be of help, looks like a bit to read thru tho, but may give you a few pointers:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/index.htm

It was really unacceptable for you to have been treated so badly, but try not to take it personally. It sounds like you were unfortunate enough to encounter particularly rude and ignorant members of staff. I don't know if you would consider making a written complaint to the DLA, you should at least receive an apology and your complaint should be treated separately from your appeal.

I hope all goes well and things are sorted quickly.

Paparika

That's terrible really it is, whats the point in having interview rooms on the 4th floor for anyone who is applying for DLA, potentially anyone applying and has to go to that office is a fire risk.

I'd be inclined to want to sue them

Blakespops

The lady I spoke to said it happens to all the time, the office in Preston is not equipped for people who are unable to walk as the landlord says health and safty rules mean disabled people not allowed above ground floor due to time to evacuate etc. I had on my claim form informed them that i use a wheelchair 18 days a month on average other times I walk with support if at all.

Contains_Mild_Peril

They use a 4th floor room with no disabled access for disability assessments? That deserves some sort of stupidity award! Maybe your local councillor and/ or MP could help.

rozipoz

Blakespops,I also have a serious back problem,walking and even just standing gives me excrusciating pain.
Just like you,I have been awarded the lowest rate care component and zilch for mobility,although (lack of) mobility is my main problem.
I cannot lift or carry anything and it's agony to be on my feet.
I am now having to re-apply,although mine is a permanent condition.It's outrageous that we are fobbed off in this manner,especially when there are pictures in the press of people striding along the pavemant,carrying heavy bags and a backpack and also collecting £8,000 p.a.for back pain.
It would appear that if you can crawl on all fours you are inelligable for mobility DLA.
Just who thinks up these rules.

Trialia

Rozi - I'm much the same. I have fibromyalgia syndrome and generalised hypermobility syndrome, the combination of which leaves me in pain 24/7, I struggle to walk but don't use a mobility aid because it would cause my upper body even more pain and run extra risk of dislocating my shoulders. Instead when I am having a day bad enough to be in a wheelchair I don't go out of the house - because I am only 22 and my condition can be so variable this early in its development, I have no mobility assistance and am on low care and nothing else (though that should increase when I reapply as FMS is a physical diagnosis for my mobility issues and I am constantly in 'severe discomfort'!).

candyfloss333

Hi, you should be able to get the mobility part of DLA, and also the care component can be claimed by someone else, if you need a lot of help. You should also try to claim the higher rate of DLA, if you are in pain night and day, and need help all the time. You can apply for both of these, by post, though it's a nightmare filling in all the details,and lots of questions seem to be repeated---Stick with it, and fill it all in, don't underestimate your symptoms, it will be worth it, although it takes months of waiting, it's worth wating for.

Blakespops

this is my appeal thread along with letter i sent in as cover note

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1456335

coffeeandfags

Blakespops wrote: »

I could not walk and the exam was on 4th floor I was a fire risk and could not be seen and was sent away. .

Was this Medical Services in Aberdeen by any chance? :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

To be fair on them though, it is pointed out in the letter that they are on the fourth floor and if you cant walk the stairs you should call and let them know!

Still think its silly having it on the fourth floor though!!! There is a nice wee room on the ground floor where they do the appeals. Surely it would make more sense to have the medicals down there.