PIP Consultation Centre
Cecil Boyall House
2 Cathedral Court
Exeter
EX1 1AF
Can you tell other claimants anything about travel and facilities for this PIP face-to-face assessment centre? Please post in the comments section below if you can.
Things like:
- Distance to nearest bus stop or rail station.
- Nearest parking, any disabled parking.
- Distance to walk if you’re dropped as close to the door as possible.
- Wheelchair access.
- Toilets, including disabled toilets.
- Ground floor or first floor.
- Lift available.
- Anything else you think might be helpful.
Please don’t comment on the staff though – we won’t be able to publish your comments if you do.
Comments
After we had been waiting for about ten minutes, another older couple arrived for an assessment. The lady was obviously disabled with swollen feet and difficulty walking. She stood in front of the step, shuffling and whimpering because she realised that the access was beyond her capability and she was not confident enough to try. Her husband came in and told the receptionist that his wife could not attend her appointment as she couldn’t get in the building.
After a few minutes the lady decided to have another go, presumably because she was aware of the threat of having her PIP stopped. She bravely made another attempt but fell heavily backwards in the process. My husband rushed over to help her up, fortunately she did not seem to have hit her head despite taking quite a tumble. My first instinct was to rush over to try and help but, as my own mobility and balance are poor, I could not help. I found it very, very distressing to witness and I can only imagine how the unfortunate couple felt.
The entrance to the premises makes it difficult for you to access it. The Equality Act 2010 says you mustn’t be discriminated against because of your disability. It is unlawful.
We will ask ATOS to make reasonable changes to the entrance, i.e. install a ramp. If they refuse, we will make a discrimination claim under the Equality Act.
Was not able to see the screen when info was input as asked to sit at the far side of the desk negotiating the chairs left in the way. I was asked how I reached the centre, where the car was parked etc.
Originally asked to travel to Plymouth which involved buses trains and a walk. I looked the details up on Google so I was able to tell ATOS the journey was outside the 90 min range. Immediately offered more convenient dates and locations . Remember you are ringing Stockton on Tees and I doubt the staff have the knowledge to dispute what you say about a journey if you have done your homework. Of course, if I had gone to Plymouth that means I have no mobility issues! Be aware the assessment begins from the time you reach the premises. As I had a weekend appointment it was great as my family could take me the 20 miles plus from the village where I live and drop me at the door should parking be a problem. Long walk if you use public transport as the building is not on any bus route.