2hrs PIP Assessment

I took my wife yesterday to one of the ATOS Assessment Centres as her DLA was coming to an end and a claim for pip was made. I have to say I was left feeling very angry at the way the whole thing was conducted and wonder what I should do next, as I feel l have let my wife down? The appointment was for 9am. We were kept waiting till 9:30am as their hp had only got the file of papers that morning. The medical took till 11:30am and my wife was sore and upset. (She has multiple co-morbidies).

During the appointment, I noticed that their hp kept lifting the computer keyboard and looking at what looked like a couple of sheets from the pip claim form and then would type. Her attitude stank, when my wife and if we were nearly finished the reply was "It will take as long as it takes". When my wife was asked how far she could read the print, my wife stated she could not read above a certain level. Their hp stated that she found it strange that as my wife has been to the opticians within the last 12 months that she could not read the text.

When my wife was asked about her personality disorders, the hp said that bpd cyclothymia was a "mild form of bi-polar". When I interjected I was asked to not interrupt. When my wife had said she wanted a home visit but was denied as ATOS had marked the computer that as she had previously lashed out during a manic phase it was now policy to refuse home visits. Their hp said "oh I love doing home visits especially when you see a Mercedes on the drive, you know it is a Mobility Car. I love to take them away from them."

Obviously we are now waiting to hear the verdict. I nor my wife have ever had to go through a medical with ATOS. I am upset because my wife got upset, I feel I have let her down and I am angry that this nurse that did the medical could behave in this cruel callous manner. I feel so helpless and don't know what to do. On the one hand, I don't know if I should wait till the outcome of the claim is known or do I say blow it and write to ATOS and the DWP Ministerial Office? Any help or advice I would appreciate it. I feel I should have demanded the medical be stopped, hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Has anyone else give through this?
Angelfiad

Hi Angel,

I am so sorry that your wife had such a traumatic assessment

I suggest that you wait to see the assessor's report before you do anything about complaining to ATOS or DWP. You don't want to get the assessment declared 'not fit for purpose' and another scheduled if it turns out to be favourable to your wife (stranger things have happened!).

You can request a copy of the report from DWP, leave it a few days to give it time to get to them from the Assessment Provider.

As a separate issue, you can complain to the assessor's professional body. This will be the NMC if she is a nurse.

Mrs Hurtyback, Thank you so much for replying. I have been going out of my mind today wondering what to do. We are from a generation (naive) that have never had to deal much with the DWP before & this ATOS lot. I am horrified at the toxic culture that seems to be sweeping in against disabled people. Yesterday was so awful & I feel I should have demanded that they stop and bring in a Manager. My wife (bless her) has said not to blame myself. - I will take your advice and thank you for taking the time to reply.

It sounds like the HCpo failed to meetthe Ethics standard sety bt NMC (if nusre) GMC if a Doctor or HCPC for other health professions Make a formal complaint.
and for future referene ,if tou need to make a new claim for PIP get ythe assessment recorded you will need your own equipment ,twop cassette recorders and cassette tapes will set you back £30 or so but wel worth the evidence. and a remark such as "i love taking peoplws Mobility car away would at least result in a suspension of tjeir Nursing , Doctor or other HCP registration

The HP was a RGN, I have checked her registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Once I know the decision notice, then I am going to file a complaint with the Secretary of State, ATOS. Next week I have to see my MP. I have briefed her already & she's asked to meet with ourselves at her constituency office. She was horrified & we hope she will raise this matter with the Secretary of State & the House.

TBH, I was shocked at the way we were treated. Reading some of the posts here, I now know we are not the only ones to have been treat like dirt. Even if the decision goes against, we intend to appeal. I thank God for this wonderful site & no longer feel so alone. Thank you & Bless you.

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