24/04/2024
This is my open letter to the Department for Work and Pensions - DWP .
The system is broken. The government expect so much from us without providing the basics.
Yesterday, while in immense pain, I went to collect the remaining medication that was unavailable at the time, only to be told that it was unavailable and that I would need to go back and arrange for a prescription to be written out in a different denomination for the prescription to be fulfilled. This was at 18:00. In addition, I was then told that the medication that both my children required was unavailable in the denomination written on their prescriptions.
I am diagnosed with ADHD and Fibromyalgia, as well as additional less debilitating conditions for me, such as; Asthma, Diabetes, and maybe far more for others. Both my Children are diagnosed with ADHD and Autism spectrum Condition (ASC formally known as ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder).
I am unable to articulate how my home and life are disrupted by the medication that we all take is unavailable. Sadiq Khan would like to put an end to ‘Sick Note Culture’ (Burford, 2024).
However, I wonder what consideration has been given to those who are trying to stay employed such as myself. I am employed and what is hindering my ability to attend my employment, thus requiring a Fit Note is my medication not being able to be dispensed.
Please note that the word Sick note was changed in 2010 in England by electronic "fit notes", allowing doctors to say what work their patients can do as well as what they cannot. (Carvel and editor, 2008)
Fibromyalgia causes me chronic pain wherever and whenever it sees fit. I have no control but am at least able to articulate where the pain is. However, ADHD in itself has an impact on my life that I am still learning how to explain. Imagine trying to explain to the world that everything is difficult when it is the only thing you have ever known. Can you imagine having Inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing)
The main signs of inattentiveness are:
having a short attention span and being easily distracted
making careless mistakes – for example, in schoolwork
appearing forgetful or losing things
being unable to stick to tasks that are tedious or time-consuming
appearing to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions
constantly changing activity or task
having difficulty organising tasks
Hyperactivity and impulsiveness
The main signs of hyperactivity and impulsiveness are:
being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings
constantly fidgeting
being unable to concentrate on tasks
excessive physical movement
excessive talking
being unable to wait their turn
acting without thinking
interrupting conversations
little or no sense of danger
So, in addition to chronic pain, these are my everyday barriers.
Now I would like you to imagine being a lone parent with two children with the same symptoms. In addition, they both have Autism which brings its struggles.
The only thing that gave me the ability to work, be a full-time lone parent to children with Special Educational Needs, navigate the EHCP process and fight for what was best for my children. I am honestly broken. I was neglected by our medical and school system until I was 42 years old when a trusted friend and colleague suggested I may have symptoms of ADHD. I have spent the last 3 years feeling that I had a better understanding of my barriers. Then, just like that, I no longer have medication, and my children no longer have access to their medication. Why is this not being spoken about?
My question is, what do you expect me to do? How do you expect me to maintain all of my responsibilities and work? How much more can I give before I break, potentially leading to long-term sickness caused by the DWP?
The current healthcare system is failing those who need it the most. As someone with multiple health conditions, including ADHD and Fibromyalgia, and a mother to two children with similar conditions, I am constantly facing inaccessible healthcare. The medication we all require is often unavailable, and this has a significant impact on our daily lives. It's time for the government to start considering the needs of the people who are trying to stay employed while also managing their health conditions. Neglecting our medical needs is not an option. We need a better system that works for all of us. So, I urge those in power to take notice of our struggles and provide us with the support and assistance we need to take care of ourselves and our families.
References:
Burford, R. (2024). Sick note culture: Rishi Sunak vows to get fit people back to work. [online] Evening Standard. Available at: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/rishi-sunak-sick-note-culture-work-benefits-london-speech-b1152502.html [Accessed 24 Apr. 2024].
Carvel, J. and editor, social affairs (2008). Government to replace sick notes with ‘fit notes’. The Guardian. [online] 26 Nov. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2008/nov/26/nhs-health-sick-notes-fit-notes [Accessed 24 Apr. 2024]. ITV BBC London Channel 4
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gave major speech in London on welfare reform as benefits bill ‘reaches £69billion’
