unexpectedly (nice) WCA feedback

My ATOS assessor today was very kind and took pains to reassure me at the beginning and end of the nearly one hour interview. She introduced herself and said she was a nurse. When the advocate accompanying me asked if he could take occasional notes she said yes but that these would need to be photocopied and added to my file(!) The advocate didn't make any notes in the end. She did not appear to be using the LIMA programme and spent ages asking quite probing mental health questions which she appeared to make a full note of.

I realise that will with all that is going on with ATOS and the DWP at the moment this may mean nothing in terms of the outcome but I thought members might like to know that it wasn't anything like as bad as I had feared. Thank you for all the help your site has given me which helped me prepare.

I agree, I was treated very well. I am blind and when I could not even see the card she wanted me to read I was placed in support group.

LizP wrote: When the advocate accompanying me asked if he could take occasional notes she said yes but that these would need to be photocopied and added to my file(!)

That part of your experience is interesting because according to Section 4.1.4 page 143 of the Medical Services Handbook there is no mention of this having to take place. In fact it says:-

"To request a copy of the notes is unlikely to be helpful – it will place you in the position where you will be obliged to review the notes and comment on their reliability. However, you should record in the medical report, the fact that notes were being taken. "

So no mention of having to take a photocopy of the [advocates] notes and place them in the claimants file!

Maybe more experienced mods can perhaps offer a justification for this action by the nurse?

Just to let you know that only a week after my WCA I got a letter to say I have been put in the Support Group with review in 18 months. I am really relieved and pleased and I know all your guides and advice helped greatly. Thank you.
I do think the DWP could improve a little on the decision letter though - I found it difficult to follow and thought at first I had been put in the WRAG. I had to phone up before I was sure!
Thank you again all of you.

LizP wrote: Just to let you know that only a week after my WCA I got a letter to say I have been put in the Support Group with review in 18 months. I am really relieved and pleased and I know all your guides and advice helped greatly. Thank you.
I do think the DWP could improve a little on the decision letter though - I found it difficult to follow and thought at first I had been put in the WRAG. I had to phone up before I was sure!
Thank you again all of you.

Great News on you being placed into The SG, LP !!!

Thanks for letting us know.

You may wish to request a copy of The ESA85 Medical Report and any other documentation used in coming to The SG decision.

ESA medical – what forms to ask for?

You can do this verbally, over the phone, or you can issue a SAR :

SAR Form Download

From this page :

DWP Data Protection Policy

There may also be an LT54 Form, which is explained at the bottom of this list :

ESA Forms

Any SAR should be addressed FAO The Data Controller to the office address on your most recent ESA letter.

Write DPA 1998 SAR in front, top, left corner of envelope :

Sending Documents to the DWP or ATOS

If you can find out how and why you were placed into The SG, this may help when it is time for you to be reassessed. (Which should be around 2 months before your reassessment date)

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