Life's Little Dramas Part 25

Just when I thought I had seen, heard and read all the stupidest Government Department rulings / decisions, I am yet again stunned, amazed and appalled in equal measures.

Two weeks ago, my wife went to the hospital where she was treated for her broken back to have an assessment on how things were going. The Doctor said he was pleased with how the break was healing and that all was progressing well. Reasonably enough (in my opinion), she asked how long she would have to put up with the pain and how long it would be before she could walk more than the length of our road so she could, once again, take the dog for a walk. The Doctor calmly informed her that this was as good as it was going to get! To say that knocked her for six is an understatement. Basically, she withdrew again and the depression set in - understandable I think.

Two weeks on and she is gathering herself again and taking an interest in the possibility of alternative treatments - acupuncture, reflexology etc. - that might help alleviate the problems. Then, the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) intervened. At this point it is worth pointing out that the Government has already withdrawn her Employment Support Allowance (formally Disability Living Allowance) as she had been claiming for 365 days. This letter requested that she attended a medical to assess her ability to work. Not the worst thing I know but, and it is a big but, the assessment is in a town some 17 miles from our home. As some of you who have read this blog before will know, she does not currently have her driving licence so driving (were she able to get into the car)is out of the question. The letter helpfully describes the public transport route for her. This consists of:

1. Walk to the bus stop (already beyond her current range)
2. Take bus to station
3. Take train to station A
4. Change at station A for 2nd train to station B
5. Take bus from station B to nearest bus stop to medical centre
6. walk from bus stop to medical centre

This group of numb nuts robots already have details of her current medical condition so they know that she broke her back. They are also aware that she has had a partial hysterectomy to remove the lump and yet, because their automated system requires it, they are basically asking the impossible. Yes, I can take the day off and drive her there - but what if she was on her own. Yes, it is good that they see her in her current condition - but why so far away and to make her do things that are probably inadvisable for someone in her condition. This country's one size fits all policy for benefit and fitness to work is not suitable in any way, shape or form.

I am very angry!

My wife is very angry.

She is going to contact them today to have it out with them. I just hope that she gets a reasonable response as anything else may just push her backwards again.

For now, as ever, keep loving!