Patient accuses benefits staff
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A heart patient is considering lodging an official complaint against Benefits Agency staff after collapsing while trying to persuade them that he was unfit for work. Ralph Melville, 59, from Gateshead in Tyne and Wear, was taken by ambulance from the Newcastle upon Tyne office to hospital, where he spent two days being treated for the angina attack.
He blames the staff for the attack. the father-of-four claimed that while waiting outside for an ambulance, the agency representative told him: "Just because you are getting an ambulance and going to hospital, don't think you are getting away with your assessment. I will have you back here within a week or a fortnight for another assessment." An agency spokesman said: "We cannot comment on any individual case but if he is dissatisfied we have a complaints procedure and he can put in a complaint at his local office." Clare Garner
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments