ESA Medical which never was.

woodbon
woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
edited 13. Dec 2009, 12:53 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello,
What a day! I've been to have my ESA medical. Its approx 20 miles from here and on the other side of Norwich and its run by a Healthcare Company called ATOS.

We arrived in plenty of time as we didn't know how long it would take at 4pm on a busy evening and the instructions gave showed the only parking as quite a distance away. We found the building and on the corner of a busy roundabout, but their was a road leading round the building so my husband dropped my at this door and went off to park.

The door was locked and the person on the intercom refused to let me in, even though the lifts were just opposite the door. So I walked round the building to the 'frount' door. As I walked in the building I tripped over the 1 inch step and fell against the push open door, which being fairly light, gave way and I just managed to find my balance in time to stop myself falling down a flight of 4 very wide steps, their was a rail both sides of the door but the enterance was so wide that it was impossible to reach the rail from the door. I was shocked and in a bit of pain as I'd landed ackwardly through the door. The floor was easy to slip on, as it was polished vinyl tiles, but sensible shoes saved my! :x My husband, by this time had joined me, so we went up to the top of the building in the lift and found the offices. I was 10 mins early, but I booked in and waited on seats that at least had arms and were soft! But as the time went on I was so uncomfortable I had to get up and walk around, then sit down for a few mins. All the other people where called in and we where still there. Then the receptionist came over and said I could go home as the doctor wasn't able to see me today. :shock: :x :( I wasn't very happy, neither was my husband, who had left school 2 hours early! She appologised and said she would send another appointment. My husband said he would'nt be able to have any more time off and they would have to visit me at home. As driving that far is not possible for me and we have no public transport. The receptionist agreed they would do this, I am yet to be convinced! What a mess!

They had left me sitting for an hour before they sent me home and only then because they wanted to go and the cleaner was waiting to do the bit we were sitting in. So a 40 mile round trip, husband taking 2 hours off school and me nearly breaking God knows what! :( Why have they not got proper disabled access? I thought it was a requirement in all public buildings, let alone one that is dealing with disabled people? Also, why let me wait so long before sending me home?

They are not 'real' doctors, who have emergancies to cope with, they should be able to work out their appointments to the odd 10 mins or so. I can see no excuse other than poor administration.

I'm fed up, hurt all over and ready to give up the whole bloody thing. I would rather they shoved their money where the sun don't shine, than go through the worry, tension, and pain of an experience like that! :(

Sorry this is so long!
Love Sue

Comments

  • annie_mial
    annie_mial Member Posts: 5,614
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh Sue, you always seem to get the short straw! The stress that these so-called appointments put us through is unforgiveable and it's beyond belief in this day and age that a building which has a constant flow of disabled persons through it should be built without proper disabled access; and then to airily dismiss you, well, it beggars belief.

    I'm sure that under the same circumstances I'd be telling them where they could stuff it, too!

    Annie
  • annebr
    annebr Member Posts: 730
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sue,

    I do hope you haven't hurt yourself or done any damage?

    I know exactly how you feel if was also ATOS (in Glasgow) that I was sent to and I agree it is an absolute shambles. Don't know if you read my post yesterday but even phoning to get info from DWP is an ordeal.

    When telling a friend about my experience she told me about her Mum, who has been blind from birth and has a few other problems, when she went through the medical they asked if she could use a bus, she said yes if someone was with her, could she cook, she can make a sandwich, heat some soup (in a special talking micro) they ticked all the boxes that she was able to manage without aid therefore, not entitled to DLA. She then decided the whole process wasn't worth it and gave up. I do think this is a ploy by them.

    I have now heard of so many awful tales that I wonder is there something that can be done, I know McMillan Canceer charity are up in arms as they are telling cancer patients thay are fit for work. Can the charities get together and do something, I don't know.

    Please don't give up, I know fighting is the least of your problems but you deserve any assistance you can get.

    Sorry i went on.

    Love Anne x
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue,

    Oh Flower will they ever stop messing you around! :? I really hope they get their act together and do the right thing by you very soon.

    I know I am too much a coward to go down this road but I am 100% behind you (and anyone) who has the strength to fight them. I really hope it will soon be sorted for you. luv and a ((( ))) Cris x
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you very much for being so kind. It was a really horrible way to spend and afternoon and I can think of better things to do!

    I thought as I fell into the building, that this is not going to be my afternoon, but I didn't know just how right I was! The building is a sixties block of offices that seem to be let out to all sorts of firms. The ATOS office is very basic, and looks to me as if it was moved into last week, typed paper notices and all that. I would think that if someone was not able to see properly, the enterance could be lethal.
    I don't think I've done anything too bad, just turned my ankle a bit and jarred the other aches so that they have all started up a bit, but it gave me a shock and I thought I would go down the steps! :shock: :wink: Oh well, thats life, I suppose! :roll: Love Sue
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI Sue,

    so mad on your behalf :x :x :x you should not have been treated like that :shock: :shock: :shock:

    I would really really insist that they come to you next time, as you can't be asking your hubby to talk time off like that for no reason.

    best of luck & don't give up ..... that is letting them off the hook far too easily, but I know why you wish you could :wink:

    hugs ((((((()))))))))
  • lesleygraham
    lesleygraham Member Posts: 91
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue
    Nothing really surprises me with these people! I have RA and on the day of my medical I was genuinely very poorly. Failed the medical, couldn't do anything they asked got a letter to say I was permanently on ESA, or so I thought BUT NOOOO, I now have to go to ATOS again for another medical - to see what type of work I can do!!! That aswel as seeing a pathways to work advisor who is supposed to be helping me look for a job.
    The whole system beggars belief and for genuine claimants it makes you feel like giving up, it is so stressful.
    Do you know they will pay for a taxi for you to get to your medical.
    Anyway good luck and I hope you get sorted soon.
    Take care
    Les
  • jenzie06
    jenzie06 Member Posts: 708
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That sounded an awful way to spend the afternoon. I'm really sorry.
    Are you able to get in the bath? Will a hot bath help soothe aching joints or do you prefer cold compresses?
    Its such a shock when you take a tumble, even if you don't damage yourself I always find that I've pulled lots of muscles (I used to regularly fall down the stairs at our old house - I tended to bounce but I did pull a lot of muscles!).
    The ESA medicals are a complete joke. The 'doctor' (use that term loosely) had made up his mind when he saw me walk in the room. He even filled in the report incorrectly. Its a farce. I'm appealing and have a very supportive GP and consultant but the amount of hoop jumping is incredible.
    I rang the DWP a few days ago after another letter asking for more hoops to be jumped through I asked them what exactly were they doing for me? Not a lot apparently!

    Best advice is to keep your chin up and keep smiling. Try and find the funny side of it and don;t let the b*****ds grind you down!!
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,900
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh Sue!
    You must be livid as well as let-down :(
    I do hope you are ok today and not suffering from the effects too much :?
    They bloo*in well had better come and see you next time :x
    Love
    Toni x
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sue,

    what a terrible way to be treated ':x'.. all that way for nothing and injured into the bargain... no wonder you are angry and frustrated.... I am angry for you!!

    I agree with everyone that the way people with arther are treated is appalling... the forum is full of similar stories to yours and there must be thousands of others out there who have had the same dreadful experience of our so called benefits system.

    It really isn't good enough!
    Each and every one of us needs to start complaining........ writing to our MPs about what we are experiencing would be a start, copied to the health minister and shadow health minster. we need to tell them the system stinks!

    Sorry for ranting but my blood boils!':oops:'

    I hope you are ok after your fall and that 'they' come to you next time..Iris x
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you all so much for the kind comments. I was sooo tired, physically and mentally last night, I felt like going to bed the momnet that I got in, but my husband made a nice meal and we spent the evening quietly. I have a few aches and pains that I don't always have today, but nothing more than the sort of stiffness I seem to get these days if I have a slight fall. Also, my left hand (the one thats worse and has had surgery in the summer), has been painful, but it is from time to time. I think I was very lucky not to have fallen down the steps in the building, as 4 (I think) hard, tiled steps would really have caused injury!

    I will not go back for a medical, the building isn't suitable for any disabled person or even fit person, as its a public place. A step of an inch or two is, I think, worse than a higher step, which can be seen and avioded. The time that it takes to get from home to the centre is over an hour, in traffic and over 17 miles and thats by private car.

    Enough moaning! I am still in one peace and feel much more like fighting them. Thanks for putting up with the moaning!!! :wink: Love Sue
  • livinglegend
    livinglegend Member Posts: 1,425
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Email the company and tell them you intend to report the incident to the Health and Safety Executive and sue them in the County Court for damages, ask if they are willing to offer an ex gratia payment to keep it out of the court and out of the papers. Don't be abusive just explain what happened and why you are upset about their substandard service.

    Have you considered approaching one of those companies that specialise in injury claims?

    If the offices were not up to a safe standard and are unsafe in your opinion and you have suffered for their negligence, then you should seek compensation. Until someone shakes them up, they will continue in the same old slapdash way and who will suffer next? You shouldn't put up with it, they work for you and you pay their wages.

    Joseph 8)
    Josephm0310.gif
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have thought that I ought to make some kind of complaint, as someone else could really hurt themselves badly, those small steps that are unmarked are in some ways more dangerous than the proper higher step, which is marked and I don't consider that the building has proper full disabled access if its got things to trip you up.

    I don't want to 'make a fuss'! Typical English attitude, I suppose. What I'd really like is that any building used for assessing medical conditions, should be proprerly designed, including having on site parking, for visitors. I suppose that I should be writting letters and stuff. Maybe I will after the week-end.
  • stepdeb
    stepdeb Member Posts: 27
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    woodbon wrote:
    I have thought that I ought to make some kind of complaint, as someone else could really hurt themselves badly, those small steps that are unmarked are in some ways more dangerous than the proper higher step, which is marked and I don't consider that the building has proper full disabled access if its got things to trip you up.

    I don't want to 'make a fuss'! Typical English attitude, I suppose. What I'd really like is that any building used for assessing medical conditions, should be proprerly designed, including having on site parking, for visitors. I suppose that I should be writting letters and stuff. Maybe I will after the week-end.

    Hi Sue,

    I'm really sorry about what you have had to go through. As you say you (nor anyone) should have to go through that. I take it the medical is regarding ESA? If so, I think you should write to the company ~ATOS and copy the letter in to your jobcentre Plus (who arranged for you to have the medical). It is their (or the DWP generally) responsibility to make sure that their agent (ie ATOS) is equipped to carry out a medical and has the appropriate building to do this.

    Sorry to go on, but I too feel so angry with the system for what they make us do. I recently complained about having to attend work focused interviews for pathways to work. In the end I wrote to the Secretary of state for work and pensions to say that the legislation stated that it was not a mandatory requirement (as I had been told by the jobcentre plus people). Eventually I was given a written apology. At the same time I had been sent a third medical questionnaire from ATOS in Nottingham withinn the last 4 months. I sent them a copy of the original I had completed in June with a covering letter which I also sent to the jobcentre saying that this amounted to harrassment and caused a lot of stress. In the end the jobcentre replied and gave me £50 for the distress they had caused.

    What I am trying to say is that, I know you must be feeling stressed from the whole incident right now, but when you feel a bit better, I would seriously write to them. Say that you fell, it cost you a lot of time and money to get there (only to be cancelled). The building was not appropriate for disabled people and that you are not well enough to attend again. If they require you to attend another medical, then say that you are happy to go ahead with it, if they come to your home as you are too unwell at present.

    Hope you do not have to go back.
    Love Debbie
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue,

    I'm sorry it was such a disaster and I'm sorry you were treated so badly. You've been given some good advice and I hope you're resting lots this weekend.

    Sophie x
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, I'm sorry that you've been though this too, I think I will write, afterall I may well not be the first person to go through this, we are not, on the whole, a complaining society, thats how people get away with sub-standard services.

    My husband has told them that I can't attend again, as he has to bring me and he works in a school and is not allowed to take time off in term time. Last week was end of term, so he took 2 hours off, but next term is the examinations term and they are so busy and no way could he take time off! We have no public transport in the village and its a drive of 6 miles to the nearest bus stop! It would take about 2 to 2 1/2 hours to go that way and I don't know the route, or how many buses go each day, and it would make me feel terrible!!! :(

    Thank you for the advice, I will go that way! :wink::wink:


    Love Sue
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Dear Sue
    I have just read the terrible experience you had the day before I met you. These places should be safe to visit and I agree with livinglegend that you should outline the problems you experienced. And then, to be dismissed the way you were. I do wish you had told meabout this when we visited on the Friday.

    They seem very rude people and I can understand the anger your husband must have felt for being inconvenienced to way he was. Not easy in the line of work he is.

    I hope you do write to them. If you have any bruises, then you need to photograph them in case you do claim.

    All the best, will contact you

    joy