We were extremely concerned to learn that the British Medical Association local medical committee in Glasgow has advised GPs not to respond to requests for reports to support benefits, saying doctors are not in a position to "administer nor to police the benefits system" (Sturgeon tells IDS: NHS now under intolerable strain, News, May 5).
This advice comes in the same month as the introduction of the new "under-occupancy" rule for housing benefit, or "bedroom tax". Scottish Government analysis shows eight out of 10 of Scots households affected will contain a disabled person. As a disabled people's organisation, we feel obliged to point out the dire consequences of these decisions.
We cannot allow a situation to develop where disabled people are denied the medical evidence they need to prove their claims. The Scottish Government has to find ways to support GPs in dealing with this additional workload.
A recent report commissioned by the Scottish Parliament's welfare reform committee found that disabled people in Glasgow will be hardest hit by the various cuts across Scotland. It estimates that more than £120 m of the estimated £270m lost to Glasgow will come from just two disability-related benefits. Advice such as this puts sick and disabled people at risk of ill health, homelessness, self-harming and suicide. We therefore urge the BMA to reconsider.
Dr Pauline Nolan
Policy and Engagement Officer
Inclusion Scotland
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