ESA: Maximus F2F 'review'

Attended partner's F2F 'medical' this afternoon. In summary, partner has no ESA entitlement following the 12 month rule. In WRAG With NI credits only. Following seriously confused and conflicting (DWP) history, completion of ESA50 and request to review deteriorating health and additional conditions, DWP arranged a Maximus assessment.

Letter arranging appointment received a couple of weeks ago. Fair enough as that allowed time to plan. Medication (altered pain control) , journey, altered meal times etc etc.

Appointment was 1515. Journey involved 50 mile round trip, so we planned to leave at 1400 to allow for traffic, parking and time to park and walk into centre. At 1345, call from Maximus to say they were a nurse practitioner 'down' and appointments were running late. They wanted to reschedule. I spoke to caller and said you can't do this. Your client has arranged pain med, food times and travel around your prearranged appointment. If you're a practitioner down, why have you waited until now to contact; you should have done so first thing this morning. They said they had problems contacting people and would call again within 15 min.

They called. Said they may be able to see partner before appointment time. Or it may be delayed. Partner advised delay would be a problem because of pain control etc. they said come ASAP. We set out at 1350. Arrived at 1435. Told appointments running late. Partner explained earlier discussion, which was largely denied. She was told tv at appointments were running late.

In summary, don't trust or believe any telephone discussions. You'll be left to prove, so bear in mind.

The assessment was as expected, but the issues around ability to undertake routine activities like bathing, dressing and walking were approached from a number of differing viewpoints. Mainly around social activity and less direct.

Be aware. If you have a variable condition, how often and whether you need help to bathe or wash your hair is NOT directly asked. Neither ( more worryingly) was there a direct question about how far you can walk. It was framed around questions about how 'you take fresh air' or go shopping. Partner advised unable to undertake any physicals because of pain. So those assessments not undertaken. Offer of GP confirmation declined. Partner advised GP happy to confirm medical issues, but would have to charge. Cost is an issue, but assessor said any request should be from DWP.

Outcome awaited, but this system sucks.

And to add, BP seriously elevated despite recent increase in controlling meds. Partners GP was 130/70 at GP check last week. Today, was 190/80 at Maximus. Stress us clearly adverse.