Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to improve training in conditions with fluctuating symptoms of healthcare professionals undertaking assessments for disability benefits.

Health assessments take into account the fact that most health conditions fluctuate and as such, will not focus on an individual’s ‘best day’, or take a ‘snapshot’ of their condition on the day of their assessment.

Health Professionals receive comprehensive training in disability analysis which includes a functional evaluation as to how medical conditions and the long-term medical treatment of those conditions affect an individual. Health Professionals also receive on-going professional training and support for the duration of their employment in the role.

In addition Health Professionals are subject to on-going quality audit to ensure they continue to deliver high quality assessments.