ESA50 filled in. ATOS assessment - what do they ask?

dazza-mac

Only me again, panicking as usual. I've still not heard from ATOS regarding my request to reschedule my morning appointment to an afternoon. So it looks like I'll have to ring up tomorrow.

Another query if anyone can help. I'm dreading the assessment as I get really flustered, tongue tied, and recently the slightest thing sets me off on a temper that would scare the devil.

So - what I'd like to know is what kinds of questions do they ask at the assessment. Is it the same for everyone and if so is there any guidelines anywhere. Or does the - ahem 'health care professional' just play it by ear in their quest to find any chink that could justify saying someone is as fit as a fiddle?

schrodie

Have you asked to have your assessment recorded, if not then do. Atos aren't exactly squeeky clean when it comes to what's said at the assessment and what appears in the final report!!

Remember that you are under observation form the moment you enter their premisis. Even the receptionist will be checking you out! Also when you leave you may be watched from a window to see how you walk etc.

Check out this website which may shed more light on what may be asked. But please don't be intimidated by this outfit. Also take a friend along to take notes even if they record your assessment.

HERE

Horseunderwater

TO Dazza mac (OP). I had my re scheduled medical this afternoon. They cancelled it twice - not me. Met what I would consider a reasonable Dr (female) who knew about my medical condition and what sort of problems I could be facing in my day to day life. Re stated the facts as per the form. She typed it in to PC and it was done/dusted inside about 1/2 hour. Told it should be finalised inside 4 weeks. Now I have no idea if I will be allowed to keep on the ESA, but it was not a bad medical, unlike some of the stories that people write about. The way I handled it was to read up on the descriptors pertaining to what I cannot do - in my case - it is walking and losing control of bladder etc. So in effect I should qualify under 2 different physical descriptors. I just made sure that I told them the real stark truth. Be blunt and do not be embarrassed - just state facts slowly at them.

Ellejmorgan

schrodie wrote: »

Have you asked to have your assessment recorded, if not then do. Atos aren't exactly squeeky clean when it comes to what's said at the assessment and what appears in the final report!!

Remember that you are under observation form the moment you enter their premisis. Even the receptionist will be checking you out! Also when you leave you may be watched from a window to see how you walk etc.

Check out this website which may shed more light on what may be asked. But please don't be intimidated by this outfit. Also take a friend along to take notes even if they record your assessment.

HERE

It is near impossible to get it recorded, I tried and couldn't..
I've heard that there are only 10 sets of equipment for the entire country, unconfirmed though...

As above you will be watched from opening the door, to sitting and hobbies, it's all scrutinised..

At mine I had to kneel on a chair to have the backs of my legs assessed, he had to check my ankle reflexes..

It would be better for you to request a doctor as you could end up seeing anyone, they employ nurses and midwifes to complete the assessments..

Don't expect to be informed of the end result, my last medical was in march I still haven't been informed of the result, I only know what it is as money is getting paid into bank...

schrodie

Ellejmorgan wrote: »

It is near impossible to get it recorded, I tried and couldn't..
I've heard that there are only 10 sets of equipment for the entire country, unconfirmed though...

Grayling said the following in response to a Frank Field question:-
"Based on the results of a trial during 2011, we have not implemented universal recording for claimants going through the work capability assessment (WCA). We have asked Atos Healthcare to accommodate requests for audio recording, where a claimant makes a request in advance of their assessment. This approach began in late 2011 and we will monitor take-up during 2012 before making a decision on the requirement for recording assessments, taking into account factors such as value for money and the value it adds to the WCA process.

As part of this process we are also reviewing Atos capacity to provide recordings for those claimants who currently request one. Additional machines have been ordered. However a large scale purchase of machines in the absence of an evaluation of the process is not effective use of public money. Although there have been increases in requests these still represent only a small percentage of overall work capability assessments.

In the meantime, while Atos will do all that they can to accommodate requests for audio recording there may be times when the service cannot be offered, for example where it has not be possible to get access to recording equipment on the date/time of the WCA. In these circumstances clients will be told in advance that their request cannot be accommodated and offered a later date."

Ellejmorgan

schrodie wrote: »

Grayling said the following in response to a Frank Field question:-
"Based on the results of a trial during 2011, we have not implemented universal recording for claimants going through the work capability assessment (WCA). We have asked Atos Healthcare to accommodate requests for audio recording, where a claimant makes a request in advance of their assessment. This approach began in late 2011 and we will monitor take-up during 2012 before making a decision on the requirement for recording assessments, taking into account factors such as value for money and the value it adds to the WCA process.

As part of this process we are also reviewing Atos capacity to provide recordings for those claimants who currently request one. Additional machines have been ordered. However a large scale purchase of machines in the absence of an evaluation of the process is not effective use of public money. Although there have been increases in requests these still represent only a small percentage of overall work capability assessments.

In the meantime, while Atos will do all that they can to accommodate requests for audio recording there may be times when the service cannot be offered, for example where it has not be possible to get access to recording equipment on the date/time of the WCA. In these circumstances clients will be told in advance that their request cannot be accommodated and offered a later date."

It's not happening, they are not postponing appointments, check B&W site...

Since when did a poitician not lie ???

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

Dear Sir/Ms,

Name:
National insurance number:

Re: having my assessment recorded

I wish to have my work capability face-to-face assessment recorded and I understand that this will be done by Atos using dual recording facilities and at no cost to me, as has repeatedly been stated by the minister of state for employment, Chris Grayling. If recording facilities are not available on the date of my assessment, I wish to have it postponed until they are.

Right to a recording
In a debate on the work capability assessment on 1 February 2012, Grayling told MPs that:

“On audio recording, we will offer everyone who wants it the opportunity to have their session recorded.” (Hansard citation: HC Deb, 1 February 2012, c291WH)
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201212/cmhansrd/cm120201/halltext/120201h0001.htm#12020157000270

On 17 July 2012, in reply to a written question by Frank Field MP, Grayling stated that:

“As part of this process we are also reviewing Atos capacity to provide recordings for those claimants who currently request one. Additional machines have been ordered. However a large scale purchase of machines in the absence of an evaluation of the process is not effective use of public money. Although there have been increases in requests these still represent only a small percentage of overall work capability assessments.

“In the meantime, while Atos will do all that they can to accommodate requests for audio recording there may be times when the service cannot be offered, for example where it has not be possible to get access to recording equipment on the date/time of the WCA. In these circumstances clients will be told in advance that their request cannot be accommodated and offered a later date.”
(Hansard citation: HC Deb, 17 July 2012, c783W)
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm120717/text/120717w0007.htm#1207187002668

If recording facilities are not available
If recording facilities are not available on the date of my face-to-face assessment, I wish, to be offered a later date rather than be obliged to attend an assessment which is not recorded, as the minister has said is my right.

I understand, however, that on a number of recent occasions Atos staff have claimed that following revised instructions from the DWP they will no longer cancel appointments if it transpires that recording equipment is not available, in spite of a proper request having been made.

Complaint to my MP
I wish to make it clear that, should you seek to oblige me to attend an assessment without recording facilities I will immediately make a formal complaint to my MP and ask them to urgently ask the minister whether the statement he made to MPs on 12 July was truthful and, if so, why it is not being followed by the DWP and Atos.
Right to written details of conditions
If you seek to oblige me to attend a face-to-face assessment at which recording facilities are not available I wish to be provided with copies of any instructions or guidance issued by the DWP to Atos as to when they are permitted to decline to meet a request for an assessment to be recorded.

In Upper Tribunal Case No. CIB/3117/2008, which concerned a claimant who refused to attend a medical unless he was permitted to record it, the upper tribunal judge held that:

“It has not been established that the appellant failed to show ‘good cause’ for failing to submit himself for a medical examination on 22 October 2007.”

The tribunal judge went on to instruct that:

“The Secretary of State shall ask Medical Services to arrange for the appellant to be provided with details, in writing, of the conditions under which an interview or examination may be tape-recorded;

“The Secretary of State shall ask Medical Services to offer the appellant a further appointment for a medical examination.”

Should these written details not be provided to me I will seek legal advice as to whether I may have good cause to refuse to attend a medical. I shall also seek advice on whether I have grounds to seek compensation should I suffer financial hardship or emotional distress as a result of failure by the DWP or Atos to follow their own proper procedures, legal rulings or ministerial undertakings.

Reasonable adjustments
In some instances, such as where a claimant has difficulties with concentration caused by physical pain, fatigue or a mental health condition, it may be a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010 for the claimant to have the assessment recorded because they will be unable to take notes or properly recall what was said at the assessment.

Should you refuse to allow me to have my medical recorded I will seek legal advice as to whether I can take action against Atos or the DWP for breach of the Equality Act. As a preliminary to that action I shall seek evidence of whether reasonable adjustments were considered in my case, such as inviting me to use my own recording device or postponing the assessment until a departmental device was available.

Appeal hearing
Should I be unhappy with the decision in relation to my capacity for work I will appeal the decision and ask the tribunal to make a finding as to whether the failure of the DWP and Atos to follow their own guidelines in relation to recording medicals should be taken into account when assessing the reliability of the Atos medical report.

This letter is sent without prejudice as to any other legal remedies I may seek if I am refused the opportunity to have my assessment recorded.

Yours faithfully,

schrodie

Ellejmorgan wrote: »

It's not happening, they are not postponing appointments, check B&W site...

Since when did a poitician not lie ???

I would therefore suggest contacting ones MP explaining that Atos are behaving contrary to what Graying has dictated they should do. Also make Atos aware that you will be making a formal complaint about their refusal to record your assessment in light of Grayling's statement and that you have contacted your MP about their behaviour with resect to this matter.

In other words kick up a stink!!!!

dazza-mac

schrodie wrote: »

Have you asked to have your assessment recorded, if not then do. Atos aren't exactly squeeky clean when it comes to what's said at the assessment and what appears in the final report!!

Remember that you are under observation form the moment you enter their premisis. Even the receptionist will be checking you out! Also when you leave you may be watched from a window to see how you walk etc.

Check out this website which may shed more light on what may be asked. But please don't be intimidated by this outfit. Also take a friend along to take notes even if they record your assessment.

HERE

In the letter I wrote a few days ago I asked for an afternoon appointment - even though I had already stated this clearly in my ESA50, and I also asked for it to be recorded. I've still not heard anything and my appointment is for Aug 1st.

I was going to ring today but I hate talking on the phone. I only have a mobile so I'll have to find a public phone to ring them.

Regarding taking someone with me. I've no-one to ask, and it's too short notice to find a disability advice centre. There's a CAB in town but I don't think they go with you. And the disability advice centre is a few miles away, and as I said I don't think I have enough time to arrange for anyone to come from an advice centre. Maybe that's ATOS's aim. This is all the more reason that I want it to be recorded. PANIC:eek:

dazza-mac

Horseunderwater wrote: »

TO Dazza mac (OP). I had my re scheduled medical this afternoon. They cancelled it twice - not me. Met what I would consider a reasonable Dr (female) who knew about my medical condition and what sort of problems I could be facing in my day to day life. Re stated the facts as per the form. She typed it in to PC and it was done/dusted inside about 1/2 hour. Told it should be finalised inside 4 weeks. Now I have no idea if I will be allowed to keep on the ESA, but it was not a bad medical, unlike some of the stories that people write about. The way I handled it was to read up on the descriptors pertaining to what I cannot do - in my case - it is walking and losing control of bladder etc. So in effect I should qualify under 2 different physical descriptors. I just made sure that I told them the real stark truth. Be blunt and do not be embarrassed - just state facts slowly at them.

Hi, with regards the descripters you concentrated on, are you talking about the ones that will hopefully see you placed in the support group? I get mobility allowance for a foot problem so I'm hoping that I may qualify under the descripter regarding distance and discomfort etc

dazza-mac

Ellejmorgan wrote: »

It is near impossible to get it recorded, I tried and couldn't..
I've heard that there are only 10 sets of equipment for the entire country, unconfirmed though...

As above you will be watched from opening the door, to sitting and hobbies, it's all scrutinised..

At mine I had to kneel on a chair to have the backs of my legs assessed, he had to check my ankle reflexes..

It would be better for you to request a doctor as you could end up seeing anyone, they employ nurses and midwifes to complete the assessments..

Don't expect to be informed of the end result, my last medical was in march I still haven't been informed of the result, I only know what it is as money is getting paid into bank...

I'm surprised that you had to kneel on a chair to have your legs checked. I'm really confused as some people have said that you do not get a 'medical' - so no getting undressed etc, but that you merely are spoken to by someone who taps into a computer. Was yours an ATOS assessment which is what I'll be getting when the date is sorted?