Blue Badge

[MarsiJay]

PMR plus arthritis is very disabling. Has anyone applied for a BLUE Badge and if so - how straight forward was it?

[venezia1]

Hi - I had a Blue Badge for a few years when my hips became very bad. Applying was straight forward through my GP, who had no hesitation in certifying it. After my hip ops I let it slide, but think I'm going to have another go now I have fibromyalgia as well as RA and GCA. Good luck with it.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Every authority is different and they have varying criteria. Really you have to try - and the worst they can do is say no.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi

I have a B.B. Nowadays there is no need to go through GP, go direct to your local county council social services department. Either phone them or apply on line - very easy. If you look at your council website it will give you all the info you need. They will check with GP once your application is received, if necessary.

You need to state how far you can walk in different scenarios - aided, unaided, steps etc. So do that before you fill in the form so you know - don’t guess, you may think you can walk farther than you actually can. And highlight any specific problems.

As you have arthritis, then it is not likely to get any better so it’s usually looked upon favourably.

Good luck,

[Hidden]

You have reminded me I need to renew mine. I got it direct I think as I got cos then and pip now. It is so handy. When I go to the peak district it's free parking which makes a big difference for me. Try to get parked at the local hospital for rheumy appt is still a nightmare though as, understandably, lots of blue badgers.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Hidden]

Yes I found that when I go to son's - edge of Peak District free parking...D-I-L doesn't mind taking me places! unfortunately not in Dorset though! Not that I'm particularly bothered, but discounted would be good!

Have to laugh in NZ, most parking in rural areas is free anyway, but not always in cities, but they sort of pay lip service to disabled parking -- they seem to put the bays furthest from the door rather than nearest!

[Hidden in reply to DorsetLady]

😂

[suzy1959]

I have a BB- just went online to Kent County Council, then a telephone assessment and then a face to face one. I was flaring at the time which probably helped! I have PMR and OA in both knees and a hip.I am finding it invaluable! As others have said the worst place to park is the hospital-why don't they have enough disabled bays when obviously a hospital needs more than Sainsbury's?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to suzy1959]

When TB got the PFI hospital built in Durham it was built with fewer beds and fewer parking spaces for anybody, including staff. Many day staff parked at the P&R a short distance away as it was cheaper but it was a good 15min walk or wait for a bus but night staff couldn't as it was shut. If doctors/other staff had to go to another hospital for a clinic/meeting or whatever they couldn't guarantee a parking space when they came back.

The idea was to make punters of all sorts coming to the hospital use public transport to be "environmentally friendly". Buses at 5am for a 6.30am start? A midnight finish? There were next to no direct buses - patients REALLY want to change buses when they aren't well...

[MarsiJay in reply to PMRpro]

So much for PFI. Parking is a nightmare at any busy hospital. I had to go for a scan at our local yesterday afternoon and apart from quite a walk to the OP it was very stressful finding a spot. Trying to get by bus would be impossible for me as the nearest stop from me is a good fifteen minute walk uphill. Hey ho just an added little problem.

[linda49 in reply to PMRpro]

Mention of Durham Hospital brought back memories. I had my second son at Dryburn Hospital in 1976. Were you in Durham then?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to linda49]

No - we moved to Durham in 1998 or thereabouts. It was still Dryburn when we got there, David lived in the doctor's residences for a while, then it was knocked down. 1976 - we were barely married then and in Dundee with him doing his PhD!

[linda49 in reply to PMRpro]

I’m a northern lass. Born and raised in Bishop Auckland. Lived more than half my life in the midlands and south of England but still have family in Durham. When we visit (which is less often since PMR joined the party) I easily fall back into my northern accent and always return home to Sussex feeling as if I’ve left a piece of my heart in the North!! Happy memories of that time when I was a young healthy and fit woman!!