Assessment appointment system needs an overhaul

REGULAR readers of this column will know that in the past I’ve expressed concerns about severely ill and disabled people being required to attend Work Capability Assessments in Aberdeen.

I have no problem with people going through a rigorous assessment process to establish whether or not they are eligible for support, but I don’t think it’s fair to expect those who have already been diagnosed with debilitating conditions to make unnecessary long and distressing journeys just to tick bureaucratic boxes.

Recently I was contacted by a constituent with serious health problems who travelled into Aberdeen to attend her appointment, only to be kept waiting for more than an hour and a half.

This was because ATOS Healthcare, the company that carries out these assessments for the UK Government, has a policy of booking several people for the same appointment slot, in case some don’t turn up.

My constituent was told she could come back another day – but having come all the way from Banff and Buchan, she chose to wait, rather than face having to make a difficult, painful journey again.

In many parts of Banff and Buchan, journeys to and from Aberdeen by public transport need to be carefully planned.

Alternatively, many people rely on family or friends taking time off work to drive them into the city if they have appointments of any sort.

Most of us expect to be seen at the appointed time, or shortly afterwards. And if not, we are entitled to an explanation.

I raised my concerns with UK Government Ministers. I explained that journeys into Aberdeen could be arduous for people in more rural parts of Banff and Buchan, especially for those with disabilities, painful conditions, or who have incontinence issues.

I also pointed out that many people will be relying on family or friends to drive them, who may themselves have other work or family responsibilities and can’t just hang about all day.

I am very pleased to say that eventually, after further correspondence, my constituent has now at last received an apology.

The Government has also confirmed that arrangements for a taxi can be made for anyone called in for a Work Capability Assessment who would have to travel for more than 90 minutes by public transport, for whom that journey might be difficult.

This is an important victory.

As most of Banff and Buchan is more than 90 minutes from the ATOS assessment centre by public transport, I would urge any sick or disabled person who thinks they might experience problems getting there to ask for a taxi.

I suspect that will also create an incentive for ATOS to see people on time and treat them with the dignity we all deserve.

On a happier note, as the Westminster Parliament enters recess, I have been taking the opportunity to get out and about in the constituency.

This last week, I joined hundreds of visitors to the picturesque, historic village of Fordyce as the residents opened their beautiful gardens to the public.

Judging by the numbers of people who turned out to visit the gardens and have afternoon tea at the village hall, it would appear that the event is growing in popularity as word spreads.

It truly was a community event in every sense, and everyone involved can be very proud of their efforts.

I am now looking forward to a summer of getting out and about in the constituency, meeting people at the various agricultural shows, open days and galas, and maybe even taking inspiration from the folk of Fordyce and tidying up my own garden.