Taking off my shirt

I have my medical assessment for ESA in two weeks time. everything seems to have gone along at rocket pace really.

I have RA & OA and of all the things that I cannot do, getting my arms behind me to put a shirt on is laughable. thankfully my wife always helps me put it on and take it off. I have for some years kept my upper arms pinned quite tightly to my body, this means I can avoid on-going pain and discomfort.

I can however move my arms from the elbows down pretty well indeed. In the medical will I be duty bound to take off my shirt and ask them to help me put it back on again? personally I don't want to take it of at all really so wondered if I have that right or not/

BTD

Hi BTD

Page 43-45 of the Employment and Support Handbook (for Healthcare Professionals) covers the advice doctors are given for examining claimants. It states that in most cases it will be unneccessary to remove any clothing at a medical.

All the best

Derek

Thank you Derek. Added to my earlier concern it is also not a pretty sight ;)I feel relieved now.

BTD

Hi BTD
As far as I am aware a claimant doesn't have to do anything at a medical which either causes pain or discomfort if s/he tells the hcp that & if it is essential that an item of clothing has to be removed & the claimant is unable to do it without assistance then I would think either the hcp would have to offer to help if noone else is with you or not do whatever it is that required removing an article of clothing.
maggie

Thanks Maggie. I'm feeling more confident by the minute to get into the work related category.

All I hope for now is the person conducting the assessment does not lie. Then again, they said the Titanic was unsinkable...sigh.

BTD

Hi BTD

Don't mean to worry you, but in the unlikely event that the doctor does need to take your shirt off, they are not allowed to do it without first clarifying with you that assistance is needed. However, the book says nothing about assisting you to put it back on.

Derek