Hi Emma,
When I started a project, holding welfare rights appointments in GP surgeries, I was amazed at the lack of knowledge the clinicians have towards DS1500's.
I found that in one surgery they had only written out 7 DS1500's in a year, yet when compared to the number of deaths recorded from chronic illnesses, this figure seemed pitiful. This shamed the practice into taking note of these issues.
They were also unaware of what the DS1500 actually represented in monetary terms to the sufferer, and the affects this has on their family. I always gave them examples of how important this money is, such as, when mum and dad, with 2 kids both work, then one gets ill and can't work, then partner is forced to stop work to care and income is reduced considerably, and DLA and CA, etc etc.
I also found some GP's were very concerned of signing the name to their DS1500 statement, in fear of reprisal's from the DWP, if the client lived longer than 6 months. I always had to reassure them the DS1500 is simply an opinion of one person, and the DWP can accept of decline that opinion, and if the patient lived longer than 6 months, the DWP will simply reasses that persons entitlement.
Also, pointing out that if a person is reassessed, that a clinician can sign another DS1500, if, in their opinion, they wouldn't be surprised if this person was to die within 6 months, (which is a favourite explanation of a DS1500 for me now), as some of them were not aware more than one DS1500 could be submitted!
Good luck with your presentation!
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