Access to Work problem

Bryando

I need a medical opinion for Access to Work but the GP surgery does not do any sort of letter. Access to Work ansnwer is complain lol. It is the practice policy has they have little GP coverage and a massive population. It was a recent decision . Anybody been in the ame?

Tolly_T

The access-to-work-staff-guide has appendix 2 Access to Work – request for medical opinion. This is worth a look - it's a letter that the ATW advisor can send to the GP. Give your ATW advisor permission to write to your GP for the evidence and hope that your GP will provide a letter if they are able to claim the costs back. Might be worth checking this with your GP in advance depending on your relationship with them so they don't think you're forcing their hand so to speak.

The quote below if from a Citizens Advice document about ESA.

GP contracts mean they are obliged to provide evidence when requested by DWP but not when it is requested by a patient.

I'm not sure if the obligation applies to ATW as well but I'd imagine your GP is likely to be more willing to provide the evidence if they're being paid for it.

DomRavioli

Do you see any specialists/consultants? They may be able to provide such a letter.

Bryando

I was in a different health board- recently moved. So not currently under anybody. I fired an email to the MP. The uni disability dept said last year they were struggling for more and more students for medical opinions. GPs are not obliged yet it's required for various avenues of funding. It's placing disabled people in even more of a unbalanced situation! Need help to work/study. But can't as the GPs are not able to type up letters. Worrying situation

GlasweJen

Can you make a private appointment to see a GP? Ours offers them for medicals. Failing that can you see any private GP?

Another way around it might be to get copies of letters sent from your consultant to your GP and submit those as evidence.