Application For Blue Badge Stopped By Doctor.

[Freddytwoshoes]

A close friend (male) has severe osteo arthritis in both knees (confirmed by hospital Xrays).
He is unable to walk more than 10 metres without having to sit down (standing still makes the pain worse), he obtained the application form and with two photos, approached his doctor to sign the backs of them (as required), but his doctor refused !!.........on the grounds that although he is in pain constantly and unable to walk any distance at all, he will end up having operations on his knees ( he didn't say how long I would have to wait for both operations), so his osteo arthritis would then be fixed, and a blue badge would then be able to be used for the rest of his life !!.........................well, if it takes 12 months to get the first operation, and 6 months to have good movement in his left knee, then wait for another operation on his right knee ( maybe another 12 months and 6 months recovery) then that's three years, to make him non eligible for a blue badge, so he suffers for 3 years !!! sounds absolutely ludicrous to me...........as I thought a blue badge only lasts for 3 years anyway before having to be re assessed. Is his doctor being fair or downright out of order ???

[woofgang]

Is it “him” or you? It doesn’t matter but some places you say “he” but its “I would wait for the operation"

[Peter Pedant]

I didnt approach my doctor for a blue badge

and the need is assessed on current need - there is aprovision that if you dont need one - you have to hand it in....

(I was videoed once - I didnt mind, )

[anagram]

My husband applied for, and got, a blue badge earlier this year. He didn't have to get any input from our doctor. Maybe it's different in other parts of the country. And yes the badge is valid for 3 years.

[ummmm]

See another doctor.

[Sqad]

Unreasonable attitude on behalf of the doctor,if your disability is as bad as you describe.
A blue badge only lasts 3 years.
Go to another doctor.

[murraymints]

Has to be renewed every 3 years, and is applied for on a need now basis... I'd go to another doctor in the surgery...

[murraymints]

I volunteer to take it to the medical practice in the sun for Dr Sqad to approve !!

[woofgang]

...I also can’t find anywhere that says that your doctor has to approve your application...

[murraymints]

doctor does not really approve..but confirms any mobility issues you have stated on form

[Sqad]

woofgang....the photographs have to be signed........

[Peter Pedant]

yeah sqad - this is third party account tho

I wondered if he had gone in and asked - can you sign these photos doc, and got a load of grief about not being immobile enough

freddy wasnt the fella so we will never really know what went on

[Mamyalynne]

General advice.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/help-for-disabled-travellers1/blue-badge-scheme/applying-for-a-blue-badge/

[anagram]

"woofgang....the photographs have to be signed........"
My husband didn't get his photo signed. I know because I filled out all the forms for him. Our doctor wasn't contacted at all....not by us.

[alavahalf]

If you go through this, you will see why the GP may have an input in the application ..

https://bluebadge.direct.gov.uk/sslive/themes/bluebadge/guidance_notes.htm

[douglas9401]

In civilised countries you provide documentary proof of disability to a normal human being at the council and the badge arrives in the post a few days later.

[bednobs]

it has always been the case (here at least) that you can't get a badge for a temporary disability - its not the doctor's fault the problem needs to be persisting for a year at least

[Freddytwoshoes]

no, its not me just got carried away !!!! friend is almost eighty which makes the whole scenario even worse!!

[Freddytwoshoes]

Friend had a call back from doctor, so discussed blue badge on the phone, after telling him that he wanted to get an operation as he had to sleep downstairs due to inability to get up the stairs in his house !!! he was diagnosed with osteo arthritis over 4 years ago, but is now so bad he can't walk without his left leg clicking outwards when he walks.
Thanks for the helpful replies.....