§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many psychiatrists are engaged by the Benefits Agency on Merseyside; and if he will make a statement. [20755]
§ Mr. BurtThe administration of the Benefits Agency Medical Services is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Bob Parry, dated 21 March 1997:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about how many psychiatrists are engaged by the Benefits Agency (BA) on Merseyside; and if he will make a statement.BA has no doctors on Merseyside who are known to have psychiatric qualifications.Examining doctors receive specific training in undertaking medical examinations connected with claims for Social Security benefits. Doctors who conduct examinations in connection with Incapacity Benefit are required to undergo a four day modular training course which can be tailored to meet individual needs. Elements of the course include the technical aspects of Incapacity Benefit, the requirements for the content of the medical report form, selecting and justifying the choice of descriptors which specify the level of a customer's disability in each functional area, and mental health problems. The course also has, and I attach great importance to this, elements on customer service and equal opportunities.In addition to this, all full-time BAMS Doctors have to undergo a two day residential course covering the clinical areas they are likely to encounter such as back pain and psychiatric disorders and those which are likely to cause particular difficulties, such as chronic fatigue states. Many of the sessions in these courses are conducted 1021W by internationally recognised experts in their fields. The Benefits Agency Doctors are then responsible for cascading this information to the part-time fee paid Doctors who are also involved in this work.I should make it clear that BA does not specifically engage doctors because of their psychiatric expertise.If the opinion of a hospital specialist is deemed necessary in connection with a claim for benefit, a separate report is requested by BA.I hope this reply is helpful.