Severe Disability Group

Hi,
Been reading in newsletter 21 February 2024 re: draft proposals for SDG Criteria and it's raised a couple of questions. I assume this is to decide in future if someone is eligible for SDG when in receipt of PIP and for ESA/UC purposes if WCA is scrapped as currently planned.
Did the DWP announce a timescale as to when this is going to be fully implemented? I ask, as there are so many changes planned I've lost track. I'm fairly sure this isn't due to be fully implemented until after 2025. Am I correct?
Secondly, I am long term ESA (SG) and enhanced rate of PIP for both components but re a secondary care specialist I have had several, namely orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists, but not for some years now as mine are very longstanding health and disability issues and no further treatment can be expected due to several serious morbidities which are barriers to operations etc.
I don't even know if the original specialists are still in post or practicing in same Health Authorities. In a case like mine, if I ever have to apply to this SDG ( I am due for state pension age within 20 months anyway)would there under current proposals be an option to provide usual evidence and have an ordinary medical assessment as has usually been the case and do it that way?

I think they plan to bring in the 3rd sector ( charities like Mind or lesser known ones) to bridge the WCA assessment gap. There are new roles going in a NHS/DWP interrelationship - restructure, like "Social Prescribers" working from GP practices or JC offices. These roles are rather ambiguous - not necessarily requiring formal qualifications. I had a call ( can't remember from whom now - who said they were looking at my "social and economic health" ) so it's hard working out who is doing what and why! In my case my usual GP is sick so I'm without someone I trust - I'm also worried that he's not well cos we are all human. The restructure shouldn't impact you badly for long as you are not far from SP age.

Thanks Gary. I think I got mixed up in my original post. I was meaning a timetable re the full roll out of this Severe Disability Group rather than the abolition of the WCA. I don't think the 2 are necessarily linked. In my case I am confident I would fit the criteria, broadly speaking, to make the Severe Disability Group but my lack of recent contact with relevant secondary clinicians, as there are no surgical options left, would likely see me fail on that technicality. If invited for the trial and test I would decline as the DWP media release says it is entirely voluntary. Whether that would trigger an early PIP review (even though I was given 10 year award only 2 years ago). is anyone's guess. I would be confident of keeping my award regardless if I had to go through the normal PIP review, but I do have a slight suspicion that if one declines, that might trigger a fresh review. One never knows with The DWP. Watch this space I guess. Thanks again.