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'That this House regrets Atos Origin's announcement of the proposed closure of 21 medical examination centres across the country, especially those in Chesterfield and Derby, but also including Barnsley, Bolton, Bradford, Cambridge, Catford, Colchester, Derby, Dorchester, Greenock, Hartlepool, Oxford, Stirling, Chelmsford, Darlington, Durham, Lewisham, Middlesbrough, Seven Sisters, Sunderland and Thornton Heath; expresses dismay and opposition to this decision that will force many claimants to travel long distances; recognises that this will cause considerable and unnecessary distress to those who are unable to work due to illness or disability; further regrets that Atos Origin's decision is driven by profit at the expense of some of the most vulnerable members of our society; and calls upon the Government and Atos Origin to abandon consideration of these detrimental closures.'
http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=28658
and
'That this House expresses deep concern at the decision by Atos Origin to close 21 medical examination assessment centres for incapacity benefit claimants with closures by 31 August of both Derbyshire centres in Chesterfield and Derby and centres in Barnsley, Bolton, Bradford, Cambridge, Catford, Colchester, Dorchester, Greenock, Hartlepool, Oxford and Stirling and closure by 31 December of centres in Chelmsford, Darlington, Durham, Lewisham, Middlesbrough, Seven Sisters, Sunderland and Thornton Heath; notes that there has been no consultation with service users, honourable Members, local authorities or other organisations by Atos Origin; believes that many claimants who have suffered injury or are ill or disabled will find it difficult to travel the long distance to alternative centres; is concerned that as a result claimants may miss appointments and so be deprived of benefits they need; urges Ministers to tell Atos Origin immediately to put on hold the proposed August closures; and calls for the closures to be withdrawn.'
http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=28666
(NB - see also the rightsnet news story published on 7 June 2005 -
'Twenty one medical examination centres to close before the end of the year -
Claimant organisations launch campaign in opposition')
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