“Well-fair benefits: why there has to be a balanced reform”

“Well-fair benefits: why there has to be a balanced reform”

There has been a lot of speculation recently under the Labour government whereby there will be cuts announced in the spring statement to Personal Independence Payment. Whilst the rate of PIP payouts is unsustainable at present and there is a need for reform, the cuts will need to remain objective with regard to the criteria or threshold that will be met. It is this objectivity which will guarantee a fairness towards those who are vulnerable in our society. Without this objectivity, the government could potentially be opening up the possibility of more discrimination occurring within employment law towards those disabled who are trying to get back into work. For those who are severely disabled, the higher threshold may prevent them from being able to receive a higher income compared to previous assessments and therefore may result in a lower standard of living and could affect quality of life. It is essential that the government act impartially to ensure that those who are severely disabled remain protected from this reform. In order to change the criteria - which aims to purely focus on the need for assistance as the main criteria instead of aids - there may be a need to implement changes in primary and also secondary legislation which would therefore be at the forefront of further debate in the House of Lords.

Experience of carrying out these disability assessments for PIP in my most recent role has given me the insight into not only the social and occupational side of things for clients but also allowed me to ask the right questions. As a qualified adult nurse with emergency care background experience within the hospital, I have been able to assess those and have come to further understand the significant restrictions in daily living activities that many vulnerable people with disabilities face. This coupled with my knowledge of the law from completing a Master’s in Law and experience working in Medical Negligence and Personal Injury, I am able to navigate the complex and challenging process in order to represent my clients well.

Prior to clinical nursing, my experience of working in the care sector as a carer has also given me invaluable awareness. With the knowledge of different medical conditions from my clinical experience that can and do impact on daily living activities, I am able to provide my clients with the compassion and understanding that they need in order to secure a successful outcome during the litigation process. It is therefore my job as an advocate - just as it was my job as a carer, a nurse and an assessor - to advocate on behalf of those with severe disabilities who need the most support.

Hannah is a dedicated and experienced nurse with extensive experience in emergency care and disability assessment. She has worked in demanding emergency care situations, providing diligent, safe, and appropriate care and has specialist expertise in emergency trauma, orthopedics, head injuries, and mental health. She is accustomed to assessing, evaluating, and managing complex cases and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver the best standards of care. She is highly skilled in clinical report writing, case evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making.

Hannah is a compassionate and driven Case Manager and a keen patient advocate. She takes an inclusive approach to implementing care and rehabilitation plans in partnership with clients and their families. She excels at supporting clients and families facing the most challenging circumstances.

Hannah is available for instruction across Surrey and West Sussex, to request Hannah’s C.V or arrange a free meet and greet for your client, please email hello@circlecm.com or call 01297 24145

Ref image: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2Frnibuk%2Fphotos%2Fahead-of-the-expected-publication-of-detailed-proposals-tomorrow-were-deeply-con%2F1061682619336330%2F&psig=AOvVaw2qngQE9yGGzT_P-AyfkOul&ust=1743857480580000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCMjEss61vowDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE