This is a subject that we will come back to from time to time as we challenge the existing situation with regard to giving consent to the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) with respect to signing the consent component of your forms.  If you tick the box refusing this consent it seems, for the time being, that the DWP will simply see this as an end to your process and this may stop your benefit. There are issues around this which we are raising.

However the primary relationship here on this subject is the personal relationship between you and any doctor you see.  Your doctor has a duty, as described by the General Medical Council & other representative bodies, to let you know and discuss any report they write on you to a 3rd party.

The DWP when they request a report tell your doctor they have your consent and you don't need to see the report.  We also know they advise GP's not to discuss the report with you the patient before it is sent.

In order for you to have control and absolutely ensure your rights to see and discuss any medical report on you requested by a 3rd Party. I have added a sample letter to the Useful Documents section.

 As you may have gathered from previous posts.  I have been greatly concerned that during the review process. If you list several specialist consultants that deal with other medical issues you have developed alongside or by virtue of your HIV, especially mental health issues. The DWP typically only approach your HIV Consultant. Where they will not wait for this report they may approach your GP.  Therefore only one aspect of your health is evidenced.

I was also concerned. Minded of the DWP guidance & that Mental Health issues were seemingly being ignored.

In my case. I have engaged in correspondence questioning the DBD551 I submitted. Specifically how or why a decision could be reached without medical reports covering ALL my health issues from ALL my consultants.

The response states;

"..... decisions are made based on a persons mobility and care needs and not the disability itself"

so why require any medical report if it is not required to reach a judgement on entitlement?

it then continues;