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Patient gets benefits back
Miranda Bryant26 Aug 2009
A woman with an inoperable brain tumour whose benefits were cut after a new government test found her "fit to work" has had them reinstated.
Lisa Connell, 30, of Finchley, who suffers from headaches, memory loss and occasional paralysis, was told that she would have to forgo her monthly £160 income support and £213 disability allowance. She was also asked to return her car paid for by the care and mobility scheme.
The test found she did not need full-time care and could walk unaided.
But after her story was reported in the Standard, the Department for Work and Pensions has said her benefits will be reinstated. Ms Connell said: "I feel so relieved because I didn't know what I was going to do otherwise. Living on benefits is my only option," she said.
Reader views (2)
I'm so glad for Lisa, and I wish her all the best.
- Sue R, London, 26/08/2009 19:44
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Lets be clear this woman did not fail a Medical. She failed a Computerised test completed by probably by a Health Worker who has had 3 days Training of ' Disability Awareness' and they, to save time and maxinize income just ' ticks' boxs.. and bingo - failed.
Any Person that faced one of these ' tests ' would be mystified as to how they get away with calling them a medical. Its run by a Private contrator whose remit is to get people of the sick , which is how they get their profits and how they do so, is not questioned. I can tell you that Profesional Medical employees despite their Medical ethics and ' good practice' actually and intentionally LIE to find people fit for work.
That is the state of play in Democratic UK today.
- Clif, London, 26/08/2009 18:10
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