Rage

I am angry. I am really angry.

I was awarded zero points for my transfer from DLA to PIP on the 18th March. Thanks to the lack of staff at the DWP my mandatory reconsideration, part one of my appeal can take up to eight weeks to complete. I sent it on the first april, and so have been told it could be up until 30th May before I hear anything. But that isn't why I am angry (although its leaving feeling pretty helpless).

My husband complained about my medical assessment just after it happened. I have written previously about how distressing it was, we could hear everything that was said from next door and when we asked to move was told there were no rooms available.

We got the reply today, and this is what I am angry about. Some quotes from the response

"I have contacted the assessment centre in question and the confirmed room the was a temporary measure used for one day only due to a lack of computers available. The room is not normally used and will not be used again in the future."

"The health professional (HP) followed correct procedure as the only option open to them was to cancel the assessment, which would have caused even more distress to you."

I got zero points for this distress. I got zero points because none of this distress was even mentioned on my medical report, despite the fact they clearly mention it here.

They used a room that they admit was not suitable and will never be suitable to conduct a medical assessment. They should NEVER have even let me be in that room in the first place. It wasn't a case of cancelling the assessment if it was going to cause distress, (ie if they could get away with it then why bother re arranging).

It is horrible to think I have been treated so poorly. I have written a strongly worded letter to the DWP. I am hoping they can see how disgusting this is.

I have asked them to completely dismiss the medical as ATOS themselves have admitted it wasn't up to their usual standard. I have provided plently of other good evidence from medical professionals to not need another (I hope).

O, and ATOS mentioned the DDA, perhaps I need to write to them and let them know the equality act came in at the same time of the welfare reform act, and suggest they take a read of both? And the english really is as bad as my quoting.