Better access to benefits for people with Cauda Equina Syndrome

People with Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) will have better access to benefits thanks to the work of one our specialist Nurses. Damian Smith was asked to give a comprehensive description of CES and its impact for the new Health Conditions Insight Report.

The insight report by the Independent Assessment Services (IAS) is the guide used by those that conduct the Personal Independence payment or PIP assessments and for the first time the report will include Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Damian who supports patients and clinicians for us was approached by Aspire who help patients with benefit advice to share his expertise in the report. This collaboration with IAS and Aspire will help with a better understanding and awareness of CES, making the PIP process more effective for all.

This should enable someone with CES to have their condition better understood and to access benefits that they are entitled to more easily

The detailed information in the report includes common areas of daily life where functional restriction occurs for people with CES and advice about areas healthcare professionals should ask about specifically.  It also highlights common misconceptions about the condition and areas which someone might find hard to mention or understate in an assessment. The fact that this information has been included in the report brings more recognition to CES as a condition and the unique set of issues people face on a day-to-day basis.