Dr no show, what can I do? :(

I-Owe-You · 25 July 2013 at 3:02PM

Hi all,

I'd really appreciate some advice as I'm so upset. I was due a medical examination today after contesting my DLA renewal award (to cut a long story short I completed the renewal forms in April and enclosed much supporting evidence. I quickly received a response back within 5 days stating I'm awarded DLA indefinitely but not at the rates I was on previously.) I feel the response was far too quick for my case to have been assessed properly.

This was confirmed when I realised DWP have cut my mobility component stating that I am "not susceptible to dizzy spells or falling". I appreciate my illness is not a widely known condition but upon Googling my diagnosis they would see that the predominant symptoms are problems with balance & dizziness (I use walking aids etc...)

Today a Dr from 'Medical Services' (...is this Atos?) was due to attend my home between 10-12, around 11.45 I had a missed called and a voicemail from someone with broken English. I am profoundly deaf and request on all my forms, as well as it being mentioned frequently across all correspondence that I cannot hear over the phone so please text or email. Yet I still get phone calls.

After trying to listen to the voicemail around 12 times I *think* I could make out that he was running late so would come later. I waited....And waited some more.... Come 2pm, I receive a call from a receptionist at 'Medical Services' - again yet more anxiety and struggles to hear a mumbley voice message that I couldn't make out. Out of desperation I emailed my brother who has access to my voicemail box and asked him to help - he called them to find out what was going on.

The Doctor said there was no access to my road and it was all blocked off, so he had driven off (he never tried to contact me again to say he was nearby?) - I live on quite a busy road and although I am disabled I am not silly and can see through my windows that traffic was passing through without problems. No road closures here.

My brother was told by Medical Services that the Doctor won't turn around and has gone off to his other appointment and i'll receive another letter for 'a few weeks time'. I've been so stressed out and panicked about today and I just cannot believe they are allowed to treat people like this. My DLA being reduced has also effected my ESA award and I am struggling to live on what little money I have - any hope of reinstatement of my previous award will now be further delayed.

I've been bawling my eyes out at the sheer incompetence/insensitivity of people calling me on a telephone when it is persistently explained that I am profoundly deaf and cannot use the phone!!! I am so depressed.

Does anyone know of an email address where I complain or take this further please? I'm really unhappy with the way I have been treated and I worry for those who don't have another person (like my brother) to help advocate on their behalf during times like this.

Thank you in advance.

Best Wishes
IOY