Re:Tribunal tomorrow (Saturday)

Roseleen wrote:

The Chairman laughed and said oh I don't believe that for a minute!

I've experienced very similar ignorant cutting remarks from both the tribunal chairman and doctor. On each and every occasion the disabled member of the panel appeared to be very uncomfortable with the situation. The best I had was akin to the Spanish Inquisition over a downstairs bathroom. At the time, I only had an upstairs bathroom, but the atos Doctor stated on my form I had a downstairs bathroom. In the tribunal panels eyes, the atos Doctor was correct and I was wrong (even after I supplied a letter from an OT stating I did not have a downstairs bathroom).

I firmly believe (rightly or wrongly) that tribunal panels are no longer impartial, despite what is claimed or said.

Oh Doris - I do believe you are right about impartiality! It's a comment I have heard from others.

The disability rep said to me "You say you have difficulty in sitting for long periods - but you have sat there for quite a long time - would you explain why you have put different information on your claim form" (it was about 45 mins or so.)

I told them that I was told to sit down, and I have moved around in this chair quite a lot due to pain. She said well you can stand up you know! - as if I was some sort of idiot.

Another point - the chairman said at the beginning that the board was only interested on the facts given on the form at the time I completed it - which was at the end of january. I've had several medical reports since then - an MRI scan, an occupational health assessment, a orthopaedic surgeons report, a drug change and several discussions with my GP. It wasn't until the end of the doctors turn that they said that medical reports since the form filling could be considered... but it was too late by then to go back over some of the relevant questions as the chairman said they had to move on due to time.

No doubt the Chairman in his infinite wisdom "wouldn't believe it for a minute" your hubby wiped one's bum !! Maybe he was trying to make the matter in hand more relaxed for you? Course he was only jesting you should throw all caution to the winds and put the roof over your heads in jeopardy, by borrowing yet more money, to fund the operation? We all should NEED to trust everybody who works in the Government services, as they cant possibly do any wrongs! .... Can they??

Just a quick update on my ghastly tribunal....

The chairman said that he could not give me my result on the day of he tribunal so would send it out by post and I would receive it on Monday or Tuesday.

Well here we are on Thursday and still no results.... So I rang the Tribunal service and they say the result was indeed posted on the 15th and consequently must have got lost in the post - and of course they can't possibly tell me over the phone.

GRRRRR!!!! oh well... I shall carry on mentally pacing up and down (can't do it physically!)

Funny how bills and invites to buy double glazing always seem to arrive promptly....

Rosaleen

I am sorry you have been treated in this appalling way. My thoughts are with you. xx

I have similar problems with the postal system...and also stuff this important they should be sending Special Delivery.

Unfortunately from my experience, recorded/special delivery items have as much chance of reaching its destination as a standard letter. The only difference is that you have proof that it's been lost.