dla

Be prepared for a long wait to see someone (bear in mind the time limit to submit the MR).

​Poor feedback about CAB suggests that they are either overworked or under resourced.

​The majority of qualified Welfare Rights Officers had to leave as the government had cut the funding that used to pay their salaries.

hi anthony I did send in an official letter stating my daughters condition and how it affects her from her physiologist along with application. although my daughter has weekly visits from a social we have no document stating she's a risk at the moment we have only been told by mouth. and as for my gp being aware of her diagnosis I am unsure as the last time I tried to claim dla last year there was nothing on record of it. but it maybe now since getting her diagnosis on paper from physiologist.

Hi Anthony - picking up on one point regarding GP having full knowledge not just of the diagnosis but also how life is affected by it.

Like most, I only go to the GP when absolutely neccessary. That can vary from a few weeks in between visits and a few years.

?Partcularly with chronic conditions etc when people have reached the end of the road with what more a GP can do for you there is no need to see them.

?How would that fit in the the grand scheme of things if you just grit your teeth and get on with it - the GP would know very little if anything how life is currently being affected?

?Knowing my GP practice, you have to get past the 'guard dogs' before you are allowed to speak to a doctor. I doubt that they would be too pleased if I rang them up telling the 'guards' that I only want to have a chat with a doctor about how I am finding doing things these days Gggrrr off with you, you silly little man!! 

Next time your daughter gets a visit (I assume it’s from a social worker?) ask them for either a letter stating why your daughter is under their care (i.e. at risk) or ask for any paperwork which exists with regard to your daughter.

If there are weekly visits then paperwork MUST exist otherwise why are they calling? If you can get something in writing then submit it with your MR as additional evidence. Then go onto explain that this evidence is proof that your daughter needs care and attention over and above what is required for a girl of the same age who didn’t have mental health problems and she is a danger to both herself and others.

Use the same method to argue the extra help required for toilet needs (someone without mental health problems won’t require the level of help you provide) refer to the psychologist report and state the same thing applies to eating, dressing and washing/bathing. Include a signed statement of truth from yourself stating the care provided by you and point this out to the Decision Maker.

I would advise that you become friendly with your GP who can be an excellent friend in situations like this. Let them know your problems and ask them to write a supporting letter detailing the care you provide as they must now have records relating to your daughter. Of course book the appointment in your daughters name.

Hi Les

I fully understand your concerns and I have come across very unhelpful GP's.

However, mine is fantastic and he has helped me numerous times. Recent case law means that the DWP Decision Maker has to award weight to supporting letters from GP's whereas before they could only do factual reports.

So now a letter from your GP stating a need for care requirements is the same as one submitted by an OT.

There is nothing stopping you from booking an appointment to see your GP to talk about care requirements. The 'guard dogs' won't even ask you why you want to see a Doctor and certainly can't pass judgment on any reason as that is an instant dismissal (I know this as my other half works as a guard dog lol).

There is nothing stopping you from booking an appointment to see your GP to talk about care requirements. The 'guard dogs' won't even ask you why you want to see a Doctor and certainly can't pass judgment on any reason as that is an instant dismissal (I know this as my other half works as a guard dog lol).

?At my GP practice the 'guards' ask you why you want to see a doctor - they call it Triage or something like that. Once you have outlined your problem to them you are given choices - a doctor (probably a FY2) will ring you back after surgery, for something that requires urgent medical attention you are given a 10 min slot with whoever has the shortest list (no choice of GP) or see a nurse for a non urgent medical matter  or if it something other than a medical matter you are required to apply in writing. As for repeat prescriptions, these cannot be given to a doctor or a nurse but must be handed in at the reception at least 48 hours before they are needed.

After re-reading my post I seem to have given the view that the patient has a choice of who they see. That is not the case, the 'guard' makes that decision - and tells you who you are to see - doctor, nurse etc and the time you will be seen and when.

In other words with you having given the 'guard' the reason for your call it is for them to decide how you will be dealt with.

I would also add that you can opt to see who you want (which GP) when you want and on what day - that is if you can afford the £75 for a private consultation. This came to my attention after a circular was sent round the village telling the residents all about the nice things that the surgery can now offer.

?It's going the same way that dentists followed. A two tier system, providing a service as required by the NHS whilst running a private clinic all from the same building using the same GP's.

Like I said Les I couldn't agree more. getting past those people I often feel i deseve a medal. I never have a choice of GP. Have this one or wait another fortnight.u bless as you say you pay. I watched it carefully with my GP. Started 12 month ago. Some strange same day appointment.great at first.then came a change. Must ring at 8am. Then get asked if it's emergency. If it's an emergency how can I be ringing.the guard always then says what's the problem? I tell her. She decides if I see anyone that day or not.if I say I'd rather not say my problem, always same response. Well then, I can't help you. With the obligatory looking away from me.thats the short story. I noticed you being same building etc. But even our exclusive state of the art rheumatoid arthritis hospital operate similarly.what was once exclusive consultants, we find ordinary gp's operating in the hospital as specialist consultants. Who also do their rounds at our royal hospital. Nice work.. if you can get it.

I see what you mean Les.

What your describing is a 'same day' appointment which are usually reserved for emergency appointments. The receptionists job is to filter out anything which is not an emergency and offer another service such as a call back.

What I'm describing is booking an appointment in advance, generally a 2 week wait. You won't be asked about why you want to see a Doctor as you are not phoning on an emergency basis.