‘Reserved Circumstances’ – The Support Group

[js4]

Has anybody come across this with respect to the Support Group of ESA? It's contained within a raft of documents concerning the Updated copy of the Medical Services contract between Atos Healthcare and the Department for Work and Pensions which you can download here:-

Here

Scroll down to DEP2010-1704 then check out Appendix 3. The bit that interests me is the part "Claimants to be included in the support group, but who may not satisfy the above descriptors in terms of functional limitations. This would include the following type of claimants:

(bii) "Claimants in receipt of regular treatment such as plasmapheresis (removal of blood from which elements are taken before it is then transfused back into the patients), oral or parenteral chemotherapy with cytotoxic drugs, anti-tumour agents or immunosuppressive drugs or by way of radiotherapy."

So does this mean that if you're taking something like methotrexate which is a cytotoxic drug you could be placed into the Support Group?

Thanks

[Ro 1]

So does this mean that if you're taking something like methotrexate which is a cytotoxic drug you could be placed into the Support Group?

No,this would only apply to those claimants who are undergoing chemotherapy with cytotoxic drugs,not those who are being treated for other conditions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methotrexate

[js4]

But methotrexate is an immunosuppressive drug (as well as a cytotoxic one that is used in cancer treatment) so couldn't the above be interpreted as 'Claimants in receipt of regular treatment such as immunosuppressive drugs..."

Does the "rule" just mean cancer treatment if so where does it say this as I'm quite interested in this part of the 'Contract' ?

Thanks

[Ro 1]

You should take advice on this,as the above passage would depend on DWP medical advice & personal circumstances.

[susanl]

I'm on oral chemotherapy for a type of bone marrow cancer, does that count?

My GP will not sign the form for free prescriptions...........wrong type of cancer apparently! So I wondered if that would also apply with regards to the Support Group.

[Debbie]

Susan, its a decision for the DM based on the evidence available at the time of assessment. At that time you should seek advice from an adviser