pip appeal - panel had issue with a self purchased stick - warning to others I guess :)

davyjaz101

Hi had an pip appeal and they had an issue that I was no longer using the nhs stick that I was first given in 1997 (since then I just started using my own bought from amazon as they were better sticks – anti shock, folding, cork handle etc)  Had many doc/physio appointments using this stick and never mentioned as an issue

Panel adjourned hearing (my physio report was missing) but in the letter the stated – we have an issue as he was using a self purchased stick. The doctor on the panel grilled me about it – where did I buy it – how often did I change the rubber tips (ferals as the doc informed me they are called )

So if like me you are not using your nhs stick prob best to get one again if apealing IMHO

I am of course asking for advice about this   Any othe person had this issue of using self purchased stick bcome up in PIP?

Thanks ps first post

debsidoo

Hi @davyjaz101
Pip is a benefit to help people with the extra costs of having a long term disability.
I would believe that a self purchased walking stick would fall into this category.Especially if it is more comfortable to use than the one provided for you by the NHS.
I am copying in @Username_removed as he probably has more info on this than I do he is a lot better informed than myself on these matters.
Good luck Debsidoo.x

Pippa_Alumni

Hi @davyjaz101, and a warm welcome to the community!

Thanks for sharing this with us, and sorry to hear that you've had these difficulties. I must say, I've not seen anything like this mentioned on the community before but I'm sure there'll be others who can share their own stories. Fingers crossed for the outcome you're hoping for, and do let us know how you get on!

axwy62

I'm finding this a bit baffling. For lots of items, the NHS only supplies the 'budget' version so there must be loads of people who buy something better themselves.

davyjaz101

many thanks for the detailed reponses and why the panel might be thinking along the lines they were  - did find the whole thing baffling when they brought it up - I did have a supporting letter from my GP as extra evidence for appeal and it mentioned that I rely on a stick to walk - also provided my last physio letter which also stated 'uses stick heavly for his gait' so was a bit stumped why it was an issue  - and why ths supporting evidence was not acceptable to them - anyway going in with an advisor next time at least it was adjurned so I get a second chance to state my case and hopefully my new physio review will help back up what im saying

Matilda

Sounds really odd. Panel didn't mentioned my stick, which obviously was self purchased one.  Disabilty person asked if I'd decided upon my aids myself or if I'd been advised to use them but she didn't make a big thing of it.  I won my appeal.

Good luck with your second hearing.

Yadnad

A very interesting post.
I wear (should) two hearing aids which were supplied by the NHS. I also use a wooden walking stick to help me get about as best I can (never been assessed for one probably because I never asked for one).

What has been said may well be the reason why those two items alone were never accepted by the assessor which I thought at the time was strange.

Having now read this post I can perhaps understand why. A typical wooden walking stick (2 points) is easily bought from most chemists and I agree it could be for 'like' and not 'need'.

Likewise the hearing aids were never noted (2 points). A quick check on ebay and I find a similar set to my Siemens being sold as a pair for under £25.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hearing-Aid-Portable-In-The-Ear-Invisible-Amplifier-Adjustable-Tone-Digital-UK/273486834614?hash=item3fad15ebb6:g:3eEAAOSw9~5bsDHT:rk:35:pf:0

I can now see why evidence to show that the aids are NHS provided.

Yadnad

Do they all have to agree in order to make a decision or can it not be a majority vote?

Misscleo

Hi iv had comments about my walking stick from the QE hospital.
I pointed out that the 2 sticks tbey sent me home with made load clicking sounds which drove everyone bonkers so they bought me 2 nice sticks that are shaped for my hands ie: arthritis.
The doctor took a liking  to 1 and walked about with it.
He did say that most people had sticks that are far too long and some that are too short 

AndMac

I found Mike's comments interesting, gave me some food for thought!

Nothing like this happened to me, how odd it seems.

I've never had an NHS stick, it wouldn't have entered my head to ask for one. I've just graduated to a walking frame from sticks. as it's safer and gives more support.

The NHS supplied equipment is so ugly, why would you want to use it? I spend a substantial amount of my PIP on better versions of stuff the NHS supplies.

I have tripod ferrules on the sticks as they are a lot safer.

My PIP assessor (in July 2017) actually noted the point that I had bought my own equipment with a view  to keeping myself safer.

I got straight through the assessment, no appeals. and was awarded standard care. enhanced mobility. The correct decision, in my opinion.

Sam_Alumni

Username_removed said:

@Pippa_Scope @Sam_Scope is it not possible to stop receiving notifications of posts by people on the ignore list?

I am checking this out for you @Username_removed

Yadnad

Removed by moderator

poppy123456

I too would like to know if there's a way to turn off notifications because i also have some on my ignore list, as advised by the scope team.

[Deleted User]

Oh, I purchased my own stick because when an OT came to my home she saw I already had a stick and just adjusted it to my height and said it was fine but she ordered a perching stool and shower chair which I still have. I've since replaced the stick with one from Amazon. 

CockneyRebel

I don't have any notifications turned on, as a community champion I read every post anyway

Sam_Alumni

I have removed the comment @Username_removed

wilko

When I asked about a walking stick ( wooden type) the nurse said due to health and safety they are not allowed to use a saw to cut to correct size but I could have an aluminium NHS one, so I have since bought my own three so far keeping one on my scooter and one for the garden and a very nice wooden carved one bought from a charity shop one of a kind so I had to have it.

kazzy1

It's crazy. I paid to upgrade my wheelchair as I'm a permanent user to something a lot lighter. Must make note to use old NHS heavy beast.