If you are asked to attend a medical, it doesn’t mean that what you’ve said on your form has been disbelieved in any way - it’s just another step - albeit quite a threatening one - in the process.

If you feel you couldn’t attend at the Centre, you can ask for a home visit - although they are likely to want some ‘back up’ on this - e.g. from your GP. Ring the number on the letter that came about the examination and ask them about this.

Don’t assume that the doctor will have had sight of your IB50, or any supporting evidence you sent the DWP with it. If you feel that you may have difficulty explaining your problems to him/ her in person, it may be helpful for you to take along copies which you can leave there. You might also want to take a friend with you for company/ moral support.

Be aware that the doctor will be looking for information relating to the mental health ‘points’ even though they may not ask you direct questions about these - indeed they often seem to draw their conclusions from what might feel like ‘friendly chit-chat’ to you. Although the doctor may WELL be a friendly person, at the end of the day they have a time limited slot in which to collect the evidence they need for their report. Try to answer their questions as fully as possible, stressing any limitations you experience- e.g. ‘well, I speak to my family on the phone but I always ring them. I don’t pick the phone up if it rings unexpectedly’.

You have a right to be treated courteously and with respect by the doctor. He or she should also represent what happened and what you told him/ her fairly in the report that goes back to the DWP.

SEMA were very proud of the fact that not many people complained about their services, but Welfare Rights Workers suspect that when people realised that they have been found fit for work, they got tied up coping with the DWP’s Appeal procedures and often didn't find the time or energy to complain directly to SEMA.

If you are unhappy in any way about the service you receive then please do try to find the support you need to complain directly about it.

Leaflets on how to complain should be available at the Centre you attend, or by telephone request from your regional office. Advice Agencies will be able to help you get in touch and put your complaint into words.

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