Man With Brain Tumour Asked To Stand On Head During PIP Assessment

A grandad with a brain tumour says he was asked to stand on his head during a benefits assessment just weeks after his diagnosis.

Jim Wright was being assessed at his Falkirk home for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
disability benefit when he claims the assessor made the request – which was later passed off as a “joke”.

The 60-year-old self-employed courier and wife Katrina said they were stunned by the gaffe and have complained to the Department for Work and Pensions and Independent Assessment Services.

Jim is considering legal action over how his case was handled – and is still awaiting a decision on whether he will receive the benefit.

He said: “A female PIP assessor came out to see me in my home as a result of my diagnosis.

“I was nervous about it. She said, ‘I’m going to ask you to do some exercises now. So could you do a headstand against the wall please?’ I found this totally deplorable.

She said she was only joking but I said, ‘I don’t find that in the least bit funny’. I got on the phone that afternoon to report it.

“For a so-called medical professional to ask someone with a brain tumour to stand on their head is unbelievable – joke or no joke.

“She was taken aback by how upset I was. If I hadn’t thought it would impact my assessment, I would have shown her the door. I’m going to be taking it to litigation.”

For the last year, Jim has had double vision, sickness and migraines.

The grandad of two says he applied for PIP as his symptoms were making him disorientated and bang into walls at home. He was also having to dramatically cut his workload.

An MRI scan revealed in July that Jim was suffering from a meningioma – a brain tumour behind his eye that develops in the layers of tissue that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. He contacted the DWP for an assessment based on the diagnosis.

Jim, who needs surgery on his tumour, said: “I was already worrying about my illness and having to endure a PIP assessment was another stress. They say they will treat you with empathy, respect and care during these assessments. Where is the respect? Nobody should have to go through this.”

Independent Assessment Services dispute Jim’s version of events, saying: “We don’t recognise the words claimed to have been used, which according to our records were, “do not worry you won’t be asked to do a headstand”.

“On this occasion the health professional believed a good rapport had been established and attempted to lighten the mood. However, an apology was given straightaway once it was realised the remark was inappropriate.”

“We are absolutely committed to providing every claimant at each stage with a professional and compassionate service.”

The DWP said: “Assessments are carried out by qualified health professionals, who receive thorough training and regular checks on the quality of their work. Anyone falling below the required standards faces having their contract terminated.”