Another horror story

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I recently received this horror story from a reader, it demonstrates the lengths ATOS will go to to meet their targets and what their alleged Doctors will do to ensure they get paid! I have removed some ( 2 sentences) of the text to protect the sender, otherwise the missive is as it was first written.

Ive been reading and taking advice from your web page and would like to give an overview of my recent medical.

Basic background of my case – diagnosed with breast cancer in mid 08,  lots of surgery late 08 which included lymph node removal.  Chemo and radiotherapy treatment, now hormone tablets and anti depressants.

I had my medical yesterday – what a nightmare. Arrived on time, kept in waiting room for 1 hr 15 mins, very busy! We were last in, I thought they had forgotten me as one guy had been there 3 hrs as they had forgotten to book him in !!

The questions are unreal – she checked all my medication, checked what treatment I had. Asked how I felt about returning to work, asked how I felt. I explained since filling in the form I am now on anti depressants and had a fall due to dizzy spell – this has caused cracked or broken ribs and severe pain and lymphoma in my right shoulder, arm and breast Surgery side. I can hardly lift my arm and live on painkillers at the mo. Also explained I have not even been given the all clear by my Oncologist since finishing rads in April. She then had me moving arms, head, legs, bending, grasping etc a lot of this I could not do due to pain or stiffness. Then the trick questions which I had been warned about!! They ask in a manner of conversation, as if they really are interested – what do you do to keep occupied, any hobbies? of course you cant say yes as they deem you able to move about, bend, use arms etc!! Also did I have a garden?? to check if you are able to bend, lift etc Do I enjoy cooking?? to see if you cope at home – it is a bloody insult but you have to play along with this. Asked how I get up stairs, cope with housework, getting dressed, bathing and washing hair – explained I wear a wig lol you should have seen her face lol.

I am now waiting for result and she said I may be asked to go back – over my dead body!! I finally left the building at 5:45, they locked the doors at 5;30 !! What a nightmare and insult that we have to go through this. I have worked all my life, never claimed sick pay or unemployment, I have the nerve to get cancer and am treated like a fraud!! Hubby had a go at the doctor along the lines of ‘why is it that anyone claiming benefit is treated like idiots or cattle and made to feel like the lowest of the low” ie waiting conditions and treatment by staff.
I am now awaiting the results and will let you all know. If they deem me fit for work I really don’t know how bad you have to be to qualify?? but I can assure you all I will appeal!! Sorry to rant but it makes me sooo angry.

There is one thing that is really bothering me.  I took the advice from your site and asked to read or have read back to me her notes, so I could correct any misinterpretation!  She refused on the grounds that she was not allowed and I can request the report after their decision.  Is this allowed or even legal? Hope you can help me on this.

Sounds typical of ATOS alleged Doctors method of operation. I wonder if your examination can legally continue after closing? might be worth taking legal advicethere. as for hinting that you may have to return for a second visit, does this indicate that the alleged Doctor knew she was breaking the law? or was she more worried that she will not get her fee for your examination? also, is the alleged Doctor admitting that she can not reach a decision after your first visit? if she is entitled to a second opinion, so are you. So I suggest if you are called back you seek legal representation well before going and ask if they (or their nominated representative) are prepared to accompany you. You never know, you might just have a sympathetic lawyer who thinks he or she can win the case.  As for reading their findings back, none of them want to be challenged and will likely as not refuse, they also know you are under extreme pressure and want to get out of there fast, they know that they have the psychological advantage here and use that against you. Its amazing how well planned their operation is and you miss it unless you take along hard look at what they are doing.

Thanks for your input I am sure other readers will benefit from it. Please let me know how you get on and above all I wish you well. Dont forget our sister forum at

http://dwpexamination.myfreeforum.org/index.php?component=indexpage Al be back.