It comes to something when a patient is asked to pay a General Practitioner to write a letter to the Department of Work and Pensions. A General Practitioner is surely there to oversee the mental wellbeing of a patient? Shouldn’t a standard letter, sent on behalf of a patient, to the DWP, or indeed any part of HMG, be sent by electronic mail, or by Royal Mail, for the cost of second class stamp? I’ve reluctantly agreed to pay £16.50 so that my GP can convey some information on my behalf. Once again, I shall think very carefully about approaching a General Practitioner for any help in relation to any aspect of my mental well being.
Guest Post By Lesley Farrington: Do You Have A Story To Tell About The Reality Of Your Life As A Sick Or Impaired Person Claiming “Sickness Benefit” ?
I am a mature, disabled, PhD student at Manchester University. Would anyone be interested in participating in this study?
WHAT IS YOUR STORY ABOUT CLAIMING EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE AND ITS IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
Do you have a story to tell about the reality of your life as a sick or impaired person claiming ‘sickness benefit’?
I am conducting research to show the everyday lives and of people who are unable to work because of sickness and disability, and the impact of Employment and Support Allowance. Some people say that the ‘fit to work’ process fails to take full account of people’s real lives as well as medical professional’s knowledge.
To gain a picture of everyday life, I am researching the complexity, detail and context of people’s lives. This is why I am looking to recruit 30 participants in the Greater Manchester area, to undertake an in depth interview, in a convenient location. I am also interested in how you think things could change for the better and where you see your future. Information will be given in confidence.
Email: lesley.farrington@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk
Far be it from me - 