ESA Medical - here we go again!

melbury

TheBottomLine wrote: »

Why did you feel the need to point out he was wearing a hoodie?

Why not?

I was making the point that he looked unkempt and scruffy and there is surely no reason to attend in that state. Perhaps that was why he was out so quickly and perhaps next time my OH should wear a hoodie and not bother to shave.

FTW

melbury wrote: »

Why not?

I was making the point that he looked unkempt and scruffy and there is surely no reason to attend in that state. Perhaps that was why he was out so quickly and perhaps next time my OH should wear a hoodie and not bother to shave.

It pays to look the worst you can muster during an Atos assessment. It'll automatically go against you if it looks like you can look after yourself.

SueP1944

FTW wrote: »

It pays to look the worst you can muster during an Atos assessment. It'll automatically go against you if it looks like you can look after yourself.

What a strange thing to say. But I must agree with you. I always did wonder why the comment was included in my husband's ESA report.

I can't remember it word for word, but it described him as being well kempt, shoes clean, hair styled and clean clothes.

What that had to do with his ability to work has had me thinking for months. The only reason he looked any part decent was because of me. I refuse to take him out looking like he does when he is 'normal' - his words!

I will not be embarrassed by him!

So it may be my fault that he gave the appearance of him being a smart gentleman.

System

I looked a state at my last medical, i'd have gone in my pyjamas had my friend not made me get dressed speaking of which i need shower. some people find it difficult to keep on top of personal appearence when ill.

melbury

FTW wrote: »

It pays to look the worst you can muster during an Atos assessment. It'll automatically go against you if it looks like you can look after yourself.

Oh no, I didn't know that, well it is a definite fail for my OH then.

On a personal note, I can't stand hoodies - thought they were somewhat passe now;)

Do you know how long it is before you can phone up and ask for a copy of the report?

melbury

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

I looked a state at my last medical, i'd have gone in my pyjamas had my friend not made me get dressed speaking of which i need shower. some people find it difficult to keep on top of personal appearence when ill.

That may well be, but conversely others do not and can still be ill.

sunnyone

melbury wrote: »

Thanks for the information, we had to go through the whole process again with all the same questions as the first time. Strange thing is that I am sure I saw the original of the form ESA50 in the file he had, but I thought this went to the DWP for them to read through:eek: Don't the DWP even get to see the original form and, if not, why not?

I couldn't believe it though, the lad who went in before us (with a hoodie pulled right up) was only in there for about 10 minutes, not the 40 minutes that we were and this was our second visit.

I went to the medical with the person I supported to appeal and the HCP did have the original ESA50 and a letter that they had included with the form, they were asked if they recognised the form and letter melbury.

The form comes from ATOS and I dont think that the DWP even see it until after the medical when a DM rubber stamps it but thats just my opinion.

FTW

SueP1944 wrote: »

What a strange thing to say. But I must agree with you. I always did wonder why the comment was included in my husband's ESA report.

I can't remember it word for word, but it described him as being well kempt, shoes clean, hair styled and clean clothes.

What that had to do with his ability to work has had me thinking for months. The only reason he looked any part decent was because of me. I refuse to take him out looking like he does when he is 'normal' - his words!

I will not be embarrassed by him!

So it may be my fault that he gave the appearance of him being a smart gentleman.

Nobody's saying you should be embarrassed by him. But if there's one situation where no-one should dress smartly under any circumstances. it's an Atos assessment.

Being that the medical knowledge of at least some of their staff is, to say the least, dubious and debatable, they will base a lot on external appearance. Even if you can dress yourself at all, it automatically goes against you.

skcollobcat10

FTW wrote: »

Nobody's saying you should be embarrassed by him. But if there's one situation where no-one should dress smartly under any circumstances. it's an Atos assessment.

Being that the medical knowledge of at least some of their staff is, to say the least, dubious and debatable, they will base a lot on external appearance. Even if you can dress yourself at all, it automatically goes against you.

I did not know that but I have had loads and loads of medical assessments over the years and I must admit that they have put a description of how you are dressed on the report that they send out.

FTW

skcollobcat10 wrote: »

I did not know that but I have had loads and loads of medical assessments over the years and I must admit that they have put a description of how you are dressed on the report that they send out.

That's why they do it - if you can go places dressed, ergo you must be fit for work.

We both know that's crap, but unfortunately for everyone else, Atos treats it as an excuse that the person is fit for work - thereby one more on the way to completing their quota.

And that quota's to get the sick list reduced by 75% - by fair means or foul - so that the government keep extending that profitable contract of theirs.

If you're expecting honesty or propriety from Atos or the DWP, then I'm afraid you're living in the wrong country.