Why don't they tell the whole truth?
Last night's BBC Wales programme, Week in Week Out, brought no real surprises to me.
It may as well have been produced by the DWP. It probably was but I didn't actually see them on the credits. The programme was simply an advertisement for the UNUM/Aylward/Wessley and now, Matthews school of medical thought, regarding disability rehabilitation and was intended to convey the veiled threat from the DWP that the disabled have to live under.
Previous posts, all evidence based, show that this "thinking" is NOT in the "mainstream of medical thinking" but that they claim to influence Government thinking. No mention of this by the BBC. I wondered why.
Clearly, Government thinking is devoted to further disenfranchisement of legitimate claimants by a reduction or removal of their benefits irrespective of any job provision.
The sight of the Texan Dr. Merrill Matthews striding through the Merthyr in his black cowboy boots made me wonder why he didn't have his black cowboy hat on as well. As an associate of the "outlaws" UNUM and their employees he was somewhat under dressed. Curiously, the BBC cameraman did at least three close-ups of the boots. Was there a subliminal message in there somewhere?
Why did they have to mention his black belt in Tae Kwon Do? What's that got to do with this matter? Incidentally, I've got a black pair of braces in origami but I don't go on about it.
The BBC/DWP then carefully selected their interviewees in order to support their clear intention of getting the UNUM/DWP message across. They could have interviewed me. I would certainly have livened up the show and provided a little balance.
The 'website designer' with a previously broken elbow who was portrayed as a businessman, presumably entirely self supporting on the basis of nine websites. Yeah right.
The amputee who appeared to be coping with his disability quite well by keeping himself occupied was asked why he had no job. There are no jobs but Dr. Matthews just skimped over this. I was a little disturbed to note that Dr. Matthews failed to mention the man's remaining leg, which was showing clear clinical signs of a circulatory problem and had a large dressing on it. I wondered why.
The other interviewees were not portrayed in a positive light at all and appeared to be victims of socio/economic problems that would obviously cause anxiety or depression in the strongest willed of us.
Of course, there are many disabled people who would dearly love to get a job that they were capable of but, unfortunately, the programme gave absolutely no hope of that, just a threat of a reduction in Benefits.
The double industrial accident chap from Llanelli put it in a nutshell when he said, "Everything is put in its place to stop me getting a job".
Dr. Matthews said:
"In the US we cut people's cash benefits in the 1990s and told them they were going back to work.
"They are some of the most successful policies we've ever introduced. In some states, money from benefit claimants was taken and used instead to create jobs in local companies, boosting employment opportunities."
The only "success" that these policies had was to disenfranchise legitimate benefit claimants on the basis of "medical thinking" that is NOT of the mainstream.
The scenes of Prof. Mansel Aylward in his training suite were most enlightening. I wonder why there was no mention of the FULL title of his BioPsychoSocial School, i.e. THE UNUM SCHOOL.........Maybe they just forgot?
I must say that Mansel wasn't looking a picture of health himself, since I met him last. Rather overweight, heavy jowled and a little pasty. Hardly a good advertisement as the Director of the Welsh Centre for Health. I do hope that he's not suffering from a disability. He'll have dreadful job getting his benefits.
Incidentally, at our last meeting, he went to some pains to state, before a very credible witness with a good memory, that he never engaged in physical activity himself, just mental activity. Maybe he should read his own books, or could it just be a case of: "do as I say, not what I do"? Perhaps he has a Black Belt in Legitimate Claims Denial?
Clearly, to me at least, this was a New Labour/BBC production designed solely to justify and usher in the new regime which will result in untold misery and poverty for thousands of legitimate claimants.
After the programme, I emailed Week in Week Out with a cordial invitation to call in here and see the real story. I wonder if they'll respond? If they do, I will be quite prepared to show them more than enough documentary evidence to support a further edition of WiWO showing the truth of what underlies this particular edition.
There are so many unasked and unanswered questions.
Your pal.
johnny
Labels: BBC Wales, DWP, Incapacity Benefit, Mansel Aylward, Merrill Matthews, UNUM Provident, Week in Week Out, WiWO
posted by johnny foreigner @ 01:40
14 Comments
14 Comments:
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
If we didn't already know the welsh blogsphere is full of paid party political hacks reporting on message from Head Quarters every day, just look at the welsh blogsphere this week, its half term in Cardiff Bay and Westminster and all but a handful are regularly updating and debating the issues that matter for Welsh Public and raising issue that the media often ignore, even BBC Wales Political Editor and Westminster reporter are on holidays, the rest of Wales is carrying on without them.
If our politicians, political parties and civil servants don't take the National Assembly for Wales seriously, why should the rest of Wales care?
usher in what new system johnny,
I thought the Head of Shelter UK was being sensationalist when he talked of a 'back to the workhouse' mentality and sad to say he is right, the aim of DWP/New Labour/BBC/Dr Matthews is to get rid of the welfare state not to reform it.
This from a Labour Party don't forget, whose answer to lack of skilled workers in the late 1990's was to import workers them form abroad instead of training young people. I agree we need the truth.
I ask also where are the local AM and MP, Huw Lewis and Dai Havard on these pressing issues as Merthyr and its citizens are being singled our yet again for being 'lazy, benefit cheaters'
Hello RoMT.
The new system is called Pathways to Work.
It has been in for a while and is intended to achieve the Government's target of the removal of 1 million claimants from the Benefits System.
With regard to Incapacity Benefit, every claimant's case is to be reviewed and there will be an increase in the number of medical examinations to be carried out.
Their method of denying claims is based on a simple precept. The DWP Medical Services doctors claim to be better qualified than GPs, Consultants or Health Care professionals who may have previously attested to a claimant's disability.
In basic terms, the extra qualification is a two day course devised by Prof. Mansel Aylward and his cronies.
Claimants already examined, will have found that their capabilities will be determined by way of the examining doctor being prompted by a computer to ask a series of particularly 'loaded' questions. This is called the LIMA system, (logic integrated medical assesssment). The doctor will then decide which of the responses from the claimant 'closely' matches the answers on the computer.
The object of this is to determine basic manoeuvrability of the claimant.
As we all know, many disabled people have a degree of movement and ability and would be perfectly willing and able to undertake some type of work, providing that they are capable of it. Of course, the computer does not assess the repeatability of many activities or consider the factor of 'good days' or 'bad days' and relies on the doctor for an opinion. Further, there is no indication of any of these 'suitable' jobs being available.
The next stage will be 'work focussed interviews' which are allegedly designed to encourage and help claimants in their quest for work.
The ultimate aim of this rather questionable process is to put most disabled claimants onto Job Seekers Allowance, which is rather less than Incapacity Benefit.
Much of this interviewing programme is proposed to be carried out by the voluntary sector.
This of course, raises questions regarding Data Protection, confidentiality and personal prejudice.
I would earnestly urge any existing or potential claimants to checkout a very useful advice website:
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk
which is a mine of useful information.
Although there is much useful information freely available on the site, more detailed and comprehensive information is only available to members. Membership costs £15.00 per annum and is an absolute bargain as the advice given is from one of the most respected Benefits Advisers around. The site owner has to live, after all. There are many pro forma letters and form filling hints and tips available for download.
Whilst I realise that £15.00 may be beyond some claimant's reach, there is nothing wrong with a few people 'clubbing' together for their mutual benefit.
Please note I am not connected to this site, apart from my ordinary membership.
With regard to Huw Lewis AM and Dai Havard MP, I'm afraid I have tried to get some responses from Huw Lewis but to no avail.
As you are his constituent, why don't you ask him to answer my rather awkward question regarding Assembly associations with the "outlaw" company UNUM? Previous postings on this blog will give full details.
I hope that this helps.
Your pal.
johnny.
This comment has been removed by the author.
The deleted comments are from spammers. The rascals!
jf.
hi johnny thanks for the reply some very interesting stuff I may take you up on the offer.
would love to ask Huw Lewis or Dai Havard a question but im not a Labour Member or Supporter in Merthyr or Rhymney sadly and I like many others have tried to see Mr Lewis and Mr Havard on several occasions in need of genuine help and they simply don't reply to requests from those outside thier circle, That's Valleys Democracy for you.
Thanks for being the only welsh blogger to post on this, keep up the good work sir.
Hello RoMT.
I'm glad that you have found this information interesting and I appreciate your kind words of encouragement.
I have been on the trail of Mansel Aylward and UNUM for a while now, subsequent to giving assistance to a friend who was having difficulty in claiming his rightful Benefits.
My researches certainly opened my eyes to the duplicitous nature of the Benefits assessment system and have since been a little disturbed by the constant stream of denials from many politicians regarding the clear associations that Westminster and the Assembly have with Mansel Aylward and his current employers, the "outlaw" company UNUM.
They obviously have much to hide.
Unfortunately, Huw Lewis has said that my comments are defamatory and refuses to respond. That, of course, immediately aroused my suspicions and increased my determination to bring these matters to public notice.
The media also seem to be somewhat reluctant to address the matter, which again arouses my suspicions that there's more to this than meets the eye.
I have informed your local Merthyr Express of my findings and have provided them with comprehensive details. They haven't even had the courtesy to acknowledge receipt.
I eMailed Week in Week Out after their programme, again, no response.
Unfortunately for them, I'm like a dog with a bone and will continue to press them as opportunities arise.
Huw Lewis is your elected representative and probably needs to be reminded of this. I would respectively suggest that you contact Huw Lewis's office again and ask the 'awkward' question in a recorded delivery letter. Give him two weeks to answer and if he doesn't, write again reminding him. In fact I would ask any readers to do the same with their respective representatives.
If Huw Lewis fails to address the matter I would suggest reporting him to the Assembly Standards department.
Incidentally, I still await a response from Rhodri Morgan and if he fails to respond that's exactly what I intend to do.
This matter is just not going to go away.
Your pal.
johnny.
Johnny I found this tucked away in the merthyr express -i wonder how many people read this.
Now I have spotted it I will respond
Anon
I blog often on the lack of democracy in Merthyr I too have failed to get to see Huw Lewis - he knows I am not a Labour Sychophant.Johnny I think I will write directly to the Standards Committee I am fed up of this arogant man who refuses to represent anyone other then himself.
Speak now!
Jan 31 2008 by Claire Rees, Merthyr Express
PROFESSOR Mansel Aylward has issued an appeal through the Express to people worried about their hospital, writes CLAIRE REES.
The Cefn Coed medic said time is running out for those who want to have their voices heard ahead of a radical NHS merger which will affect Prince Charles Hospital and could mean changes for patients.
Professor Aylward has been appointed to carry out an official review of PCH and has set a deadline - the first week of March - for views from the public to help him make his recommendations to Health minister Edwina Hart at the end of March.
At the end of last year she announced North Glamorgan and Pontypridd and Rhondda NHS trusts were dissolving to form a new Cwm Taf NHS Trust, reinforcing fears for the downgrading of PCH.
“My remit is to look at the needs of people in Merthyr with regards to their health care over the next 10 years,” he said, admitting people have been given ‘inadequate explanations’ about the changes and adding his review would be completely ‘transparent’.
The chair of the Wales Centre for Health also revealed he thought hopes for a town centre hospital to be in place as soon as this year were ‘unrealistic’.
“There’s no chance the first sod will be cut the day after my recommendation [this April].
“It’s going to happen,” he said.
“But we need to be realistic and honest, it won’t be finished this year.”
Professor Aylward, who said he was considering starting an Internet blog to keep people posted, said: “Now is the time for clarity.”
l You can contact professor Aylward at higginsee@cardiff.ac.uk or Professor Mansel Aylward, UNUM Research Centre, unit 51A, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 380, or on 02920 879311.l You can contact professor Aylward at higginsee@cardiff.ac.uk or Professor Mansel Aylward, UNUM Research Centre, unit 51A, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 380, or on 02920 879311.
Thanks for the useful info. Mam. I would be most grateful for any further updates from the ME.
It seems that Aylward is in a desperate hurry to get the public consultation out of the way by setting such a short time to in which to respond. He'll probably ignore any responses anyway.
I would suggest that decisions have already been made irrespective of any public opinion.
I wonder, if he starts a blog, if he will allow unmoderated comment. Now that would be fun!!!!
Unfortunately, clarity has never been Aylward's strong point. He relies on his academic qualifications to frequently bamboozle simple politicians with his non-mainstream psychobabble.
Many of these politicians, not wishing to show their ignorance, nod knowingly as if they know what he's on about and misplace their trust in a man whose loyalty is to the almighty dollar.
I'll cut'n'paste an interesting article later today as an example of how he deals with politicians who dare to question him.
Your pal.
johnny.
I was the bloke from Llanelli, who had a fair old argument with Dr Mathews, but of course the whole lot was removed, at least Mr Mathews he is not a real doctor said I was the most severely disabled, then found me a job in a café, I went down the next day to be told she only pays cash in hand, and thinks disabled people could not cope, I said well try me and her reply was I think not.
The cake factory I phoned said yes and then asked are you disabled, I said yes the phone went dead, I phoned again and they said all the jobs had been taken yes I bet.
The next day after this do not forget Brown was at the Welsh Assembly telling people how they intend to get us back to work, but I've been with my job Center for four years looking for work, they gave up on me ages ago saying they cannot find employers, yes I have the same problem.
The BBC working with the government perhaps.
Hello Mr. Nonny from Llanelli.
Thanks for your comments.
The Editor of the programme certainly knew whose side the BBC was on. I'm still awaiting a response to my eMail to WiWO. I won't hold my breath on that one. I don't suppose they want their applecart to be upset.
Nevertheless, you can be assured that there are a number of us around who are determined to expose this scandal in spite of the Main Stream Media.
You say that Mr. Matthews is not a real doctor. Would you care to expand on that? If that's true it could be very useful ammunition against his involvement.
As you have found, the only jobs on offer are relatively low skilled and low paid.
Was the cafe owner the Oriental lady who appeared in the programme? Cash in hand eh. I'll bet that the Revenue would be interested in that.
In the original Pathways to Work document the method of removal of Incapacity Benfit claimants was referred to as a "migration", well, my dictionary specifically defines that as: Movement to another location to seek work. They certainly know how to pick their words.
In reality this just means a transfer to Job Seeker's Allowance at a lower rate than IB.
It's probably just to enable the Government to fund their open-ended expense accounts.
Please drop by again as any info. that I obtain will be posted here.
Your pal.
johnny.
Hi Johnny
This stuff is very interesting indeed! I think you may have hit a rich seam of something that smells very very bad.
Can you post that article about how Aylward deals with pesky questioning politicians?
Hello Nonny.
The article is posted and well worth a read.
Your pal.
johnny.
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