wagwaan?: Happy Days

First of all, Claire has been doing Christmas shopping and she came back with a little gem for me the other day. When I protested that I didn't want anything now, she said she had to give it to me before Christmas. I see why now:

Aren't they divine? They are hand decorated blown glass, and remind me of the kind of baubles we had on our tree growing up - which is of course the whole point of Cath Kidston stuff! Thank you ma Clairette chérie!

In other happy news, yesterday the postman brought a letter from my MP, enclosing a copy of a letter he had received from the infamous Atos Healthcare who carried out my medical and found me fit for work. I think I shall have it framed. It reads:

"Jobcentre Plus forwarded a copy of your letter to them on 8 Oct 2010 together with correspondence from Ms R. On receipt I immediately commenced an investigation into the concerns raised relating to Ms R's medical assessment for ESA held on 22 June 2010.

In respect of the guidelines, I can confirm that consideration is given to each referral from Jobcentre Plus, to decide whether a medical assessment is required in accordance with ESA legislation. The decision to ask Ms R to attend for an assessment was made by a healthcare professional, as only those people with the most severe physical or mental restrictions are placed into the support group and do not have an assessment for ESA. (this bit refers to us asking whether the person deciding I needed a medical was in fact a health professional or an admin person).

However, as a result of our investigation I have advised Jobcentre Plus that the medical report provided on 22 June has not been completed appropriately. It should have contained a record of cognitive testing and also taken more account of the fatigue experienced by Ms R. Jobcentre Plus decide entitlement to benefit based on all available evidence and they will now consider how our investigation impacts on the benefit claim and whether a further medical assessment is required. If Ms R wishes to discuss the claim with them she can call 0845....

Our Medical Manager will provide additional training to the examining doctor to ensure all future work is in accordance with professional standards.

I sincerely apologise on behalf of Atos Healthcare for the deficiencies identified within this medical report and for upset caused to Ms Rby the delay in starting the assessment. (this relates to the TWO HOUR wait I had to endure at the medical)

Yours sincerely...."

So, good news but as the boyf says, it's disgusting that we have had to go to these lengths. The squeaky wheel gets the oil: I'm lucky I have had support to do this as in my current state I would have just given up at the first hurdle.

Anyway, today the sun is shining and the bright red and yellow leaves are looking glorious so I think I should get off my backside and go for a little stroll. Happy Sunday :)