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<p>The Department is committed to supporting disabled people and people with health
conditions to live independently and we recognise the contribution that PIP can make
to this. During meetings with the DWP Working Group with individuals affected by contaminated
blood, concerns were raised about people affected by contaminated blood scoring nil
or low points for PIP, and members were invited to share any such cases for review.
After reviewing all of the cases received, a problem with how the functional needs
of claimants with haemarthropathy had been assessed for PIP was identified.</p><p>
</p><p>On the 25th June 2018 the Department began an administrative exercise to review
cases of claimants with contaminated blood where they have haemophilia or haemarthropathy
from other causes, to ensure claimants receive the correct award. To date 370 cases
have been reviewed. All claimants have now been notified, completing the original
exercise.</p><p> </p><p>In conjunction with this administrative exercise the Department
along with PIP assessment providers have developed new guidance on haemophilia and
haemarthropathy to ensure health professionals appropriately assess such cases. This
guidance was fully implemented on 15th February 2019 and the Department will now be
reviewing a second batch of recent cases, assessed between the end of the original
exercise and the implementation of the guidance.</p><p> </p><p>Additionally, Assessment
Providers and stakeholders are working together to develop reports for haemophilia
and contaminated blood. These reports are completed by groups which represent individuals
with specific health conditions and impairments. They are intended to provide insight
regarding the daily life and everyday challenges which individuals with these conditions
may face to further support health professionals in future assessments.</p><p> </p><p>The
Department is committed to supporting individuals effected by contaminated blood and
continues to work closely with the DWP Working Group to ensure we fully support our
claimants and make improvements where possible.</p>
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