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This website provides information on how Atos runs its business, extracts from the Contract between the DWP and Atos including the MEDICAL CONDITIONS that mean a face to face medical assessment is not always necessary, ASSESSMENTS AND POINTS, the breaches of Contract that occurred in my case, my unsound medical report and the correspondence showing how difficult it is to obtain justice or advice.
The Government is inviting the public to submit petitions. Search epetitions.direct.gov.uk for "DWP" or "Atos" or "disabled" to list relevant petitions including Stop and review the cuts to benefits and services which are falling disproportionately on disabled people, their carers and families (http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/20968).
Other ongoing petitions are Petition against constant vilification of sick and disabled claimants and Petition to "Sack Atos Immediately" .
The DWP occasionally consults the public http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/.
You can click on a date to link to the item on this page.
| Care Quality Commission | 5 October 2009 | Letter | To | Requesting assistance. |
| 5 October 2009 | Phone | From | Not able to deal with this matter. |
The Care Quality Commission (http://www.cqc.org.uk/) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Their aim is to make sure better care is provided for everyone.
I am concerned at the quality of care I have received from the Department of Work and Pensions and in particular Atos Healthcare.
After a fit, 15 April 2009, I was revived by para-medics, emergency admitted to hospital, stayed there ten days and was diagnosed with a (squash ball sized) Primary Brain Tumour after an MRI scan. My GP can do nothing for me. My Neuro-Surgeon wants to wait and monitor rate of growth. It is possible that I will need surgery and or radiotherapy. My Neurologist prescribes anti-fit medicine which has stopped all fits but has debilitating side effects. I am being seen again in December by both. The NHS treatment I have received has been excellent.
I have paid tax and NI for 30 years. I had never been admitted to hospital. Even though I have savings above the £15,000 limit, my GP suggested I claim ESA(C) so that my full NI contribution record would be maintained. I surrendered my driving licence. I have been given a prescriptions exemption card. The DWP told me that as I was so sick all I need to do was complete the ESA form. Even though I was extremely weak, tired, shaky and suffered trembling, I completed the form. I am right handed and my tumour is on the left side of my brain. I did not know it then but these were side effects of the level of anti fit medicine I was prescribed. I reduced my dose, I am tired all the time and periodically I am very very weak. My Neurologist wants me to double my dose. I have tried but it wipes me out and gives me major problems. I can work a few hours then I need a few hours rest. At times I am sufficiently strong to write letters such as this.
I feel attending the DWP medical examination on 24 July 2009 was not necessary and was actually harmful to me. I seem to have hit an impasse in the complaints process of both the DWP and Atos Healthcare. DWP has not replied to my last letter dated 15 August 2009. Atos Healthcare has not replied to my last letter dated 28 September 2009. I enclose copies of both letters. I have asked for the medical report and it has not been supplied.
If you feel this matter is one which you could take forward, I can provide copies of all correspondence.
I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.