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info please about recording atos medical

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13 years 4 months ago #61471 by woodsie
Hi! All
My ATOS medical is next Monday.
My wife wants to record it on her dictaphone - can she do this; or is she allowed to take written notes.

Or do you need to get prior permission to do either?

If it is allowed what do we do if the HCP says no at the medical.

Many thanks for any info.

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13 years 4 months ago #61475 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re:info please about recording atos medical
matchseller

You are entitled to take notes at the medical, it would probably be best if a companion took then in preference to the claimant, to ensure they are not distracted from listening to, and thinking about how to answer, the HCP's questions.

You can request that the medical be recorded, but it is likely that ATOS will refuse or refer you to a list of criteria that you would need to meet at your own expense.

You can overtly recor the medical, however, HCP's have instructions to terminate the assessment if this is done. It can also be counted as failing to attend the medical, which can lead to sanctions.

You can covertly record the medical, doing so is legal, subject to the caveat of the HCP finding out what you are doing.

There is no established legal precedent for the use of such a recording, either in its native format, or as a transcript, at a Tribunal, should one be required, however, keeping it for your personal use is OK.

Hope this explains it.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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13 years 4 months ago #61477 by woodsie
Replied by woodsie on topic Re:info please about recording atos medical
Hi!
Thankyou Gordon for your very quick and detailed responce.
Dont think we will risk recording wife can take notes!
Regards Matchseller

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  • Andy
13 years 4 months ago #61480 by Andy
Hi, Matchseller

IF YOU ASK (or just try to do it openly) they will say 'no' or will impose all sorts of ludicrous 'technical' requirements that are impossible to meet (like having a 'qualified sound engineer' operate the recorder!)

On the other hand, there are so many examples of ludicrously inaccurate ATOS reports that it's understandable you'd want a recording. You may feel uncomfortable doing it secretly, because it seems underhand, however that is what I resorted to. I decided it was the lesser of two evils. I'm glad I did because it helped me confirm my memory a few weeks later when I got the report full of rubbish!

In any case, DO get your wife (or whoever accompanies you) to make copious notes - this is quite permissible and is mentioned in the training notes for the HCPs. I think it let's the HCP know you mean business... and they may be more careful how they do your assessment.

Good luck.
Andy.

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13 years 4 months ago #61489 by J The Divine B
Replied by J The Divine B on topic Re: info please about recording atos medical
Check the archives for a 'sound' framework of the type of letter to inform Atos that you will record.
No problem about taking notes[make sure they are very detailed!]
Tell Atos NOTHING about intention to take notes. The Atos HCP at 'medical' will be alarmed when notes are quietly written ---then you will have read out to you the Atos policy on notes and you simply sign at bottom to confirm that you will not share with others. Amenably disregard any protests from HCP. You have a right to take notes. Do not be alarmed if/when the HCP requires a manager /facilitator to attend. Just quietly and diligently write everything said and done --to best of ability.

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13 years 4 months ago #61494 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re:info please about recording atos medical
J

Whilst the HCP will most likely read a disclaimer, I am not aware of any requirement for you to sign it. Infact I am reasonably certain that being asked to do so would be an infraction of Human Rights legislation,

Also, it is very unlikely that a manager / facilitator will attend the assessment. If they did, I suspect the whole WCA system would rapidly collapse into disorder, with everybody writing notes.

Gordon

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