Phrase on ESA85 report

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Dear Department for Work and Pensions,
When the HCP writes on the ESA85 that "A return to work in the longer term is unlikely" what is the time frame for the words LONGER TERM?
Do the DWP vary the length of the "LONGER TERM" in relation to the illness of a claimant?
If the phrase "LONGER TERM" varies why does it vary?

Yours faithfully,

Dean Stockton

DWP Adelphi Freedom-of-Information-Request, Department for Work and Pensions

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Longer term

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Medical reports done by ATOS HCPs may sometimes have the phrase "RETURN TO WORK IN THE LONGER TERM IS NOT ADVISABLE" I am trying to find out whether the DWP have a fixed time limit to refer to the phrase longer term and if so how long is the length of time.

DWP Adelphi Freedom-of-Information-Request, Department for Work and Pensions

Dear Mr Stockton,

Thank you for your Freedom of Information request that was received by
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Adelphi on 16 September 2011 and
forwarded for response by the DWP Commercial Management of Medical
Services Freedom of Information Officer.

In your email you asked to be provided with information answering the
following question:-

Dear Department for Work and Pensions,

1. When the HCP writes on the ESA85 that "A return to work in the
longer term is unlikely" what is the time frame for the words LONGER
TERM?
2. Do the DWP vary the length of the "LONGER TERM" in relation to
the illness of a claimant?
3. If the phrase "LONGER TERM" varies why does it vary?

In answer to your questions the time frame "in the Longer Term" refers
to a timescale of more than 2 years, and is not varied.

Please find attached a link to website
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/speci... which is the
Revised Work Capability Assessment (WCA) Handbook ESA (LCW/LCWRA)
Amendment Regulations 2011 MED-ESAAR2011HB~001. This Training &
Development Handbook is issued to approved Health Care Professionals
(HCPs), and I refer you in particular to part 3.10.1.2 on page 118 which
states "Where at assessment you find a substantial degree of functional
impairment resulting from a serious medical problem which is chronic or
will inevitably deteriorate further, even with optimal treatment, you
should select "in the longer term". For example it may be appropriate
to apply "in the longer term" to someone with a progressive neurological
condition.

Or, in the case of a young adult with a very significant degree of
learning disability, who scores where cognitive impairment in a number
of functional areas mean that he requires a high level of support, you
may feel that all management and support strategies have been exhausted
and further adaptation is unlikely to occur. You would then reasonably
advise a "in the longer term" prognosis.

This document has been produced as part of a programme for HCPs to carry
out medical assessments as approved HCPs. All HCPs undertaking these
medical assessments must be registered medical or nursing practitioners
who in addition, have undergone training in disability assessment
medicine and more specific training. The training includes theory
training in a classroom setting, supervised practical training, and a
demonstration of understanding as assessed by quality audit. This
document must be read with the understanding that, as experienced
medical or nursing practitioners, the HCPs will have detailed knowledge
of the principles and practice of diagnostic techniques and therefore
such information is not contained in this document. In addition, this is
not a stand-alone document, and forms only a part of the training and
written documentation that a HCP receives. As disability assessment is a
practical occupation, much of the guidance also involves verbal
information and coaching. Thus, although the document may be of interest
to non-medical readers, it must be remembered that some of the
information may not be readily understood without background medical
knowledge and an awareness of the other training and guidance given to
HCPs.

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You are free to use it for your own purposes, including for private
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by an exception in current copyright law. Documents (except photographs)
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would require the permission of the copyright holder.

Most documents produced by the DWP and/or Atos Healthcare will be
protected by Crown Copyright. Most Crown copyright information can be
re-used under the Open Government Licence
(http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/o...). For
information about the OGL and about re-using Crown Copyright information
please see The National Archives website
-http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/infor...
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If you have any queries about this letter please contact me quoting the
reference number above.
Yours sincerely,

DWP Central FoI Team

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