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Disability UKDo you wish that the DLA and other medicals were more accurate? Then read on. We believe that the medical examinations for such things as DLA IB and AA can be made a lot more accurate and fair.
When an applicant for benefits is referred to a Benefits Agency doctor what they are really saying is "we don't believe you".
At present Atos Origin are contracted by Medical Services (part of the DWP) to do these medicals, they in turn subcontract the job to Nestor Disability Analyses (NDA) who hire the doctors on a piece rate basis.
What happens at present is either you visit a designated doctor or a home visit is arranged for you. The doctor calls and spends about an hour filling in a form (DLA 140 in the case of DLA claimants).
The "medical examination" leading to the doctors "clinical findings" is derisory to say the least. The questions are all to find out the least about how your disability affects you and more about how they can make a good case for not giving you benefits.
We believe that the questions and format of these medicals should be independently audited and reorganised. The medical report should be geared toward what are now more prevalent diseases such as Asthma, Diabetes and other disabling illness of the 21st century. Mere measurements with a tape measure are extremely primitive compared to modern tools such as MRI scanners which are available. No doubt the DWP would say "ah but that would be expensive", of course it would, but wouldn't it catch more of the bad fraudsters as well? It is difficult to fool an MRI scanner and the whole battery of modern blood tests that can be done. True, there may be an element of infringement of privacy here as blood tests DNA test etc. can reveal quite a lot about you. For instance it could be that the DWP think you may be alcoholic and take drugs or have AIDS etc. etc. and make different conclusions based on this. There would have to be some rules about divulging information to other government departments etc. We think that most genuine claimants would have nothing to hide and would therefore submit freely to a battery of tests at a modern clinic for instance. It could even be a private clinic, BUPA for instance. Why can't the government pay for us to have private medicals?
With a complete profile based on medical tests, physical
examination, assessment of psychological status, OT reports and GP findings it
would be possible (ideally) to tailor a benefits package that suits the individual.
This
would include any services required such as Home Helps or payments for Carers
for instance.
We believe money could be saved by awarding payments for services to those most in need of them whilst those who would work but are not confident enough to even look for a job should be helped more comprehensibly to find ways of earning a living. This should include ways of becoming self employed and running businesses as well.
The vast amount of red tape should be discarded.
Folk are applying for benefits that they desperately need but have to wait months
whilst clerks and courts decide their fate. Meanwhile some commit suicide or
just plain die waiting. Others loose their homes that they have worked for (and
paid NI contributions) because they cannot meet mortgage payments. Nearly all
have deteriorating health which is only worsened by the stress of waiting.
You can help make changes by contacting your MP. They may not be aware there is a problem with these medicals both for DLA and Incapacity Benefits. After the General Election the list of MPs will change, click here for the list of newly elected MPs.
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