A man who lived in Morden for 27 years has set up a petition to get more consultants and family doctors to carry out medical assessment for access to benefits for people with inflammatory bowel disease.

Mark Oldaker, 42, has started a petition to get assessments for Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance conducted by qualified consultants and GPs.

He wants consultants and GPs to understand patients' conditions, particularly Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, and give accurate information about their disabilities to support their claims.

Mr Oldaker, who lived in St Helier Avenue, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2012 and was declined PIP. He claims he was assessed by an under qualified nurse who had no understanding of his condition.

Mr Oldaker said: “The reason I have started this petition is because Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis is very close to my heart.

“I wanted to fight for my own and the Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis sufferers that are having the same problem claiming PIP.”

Mr Oldaker said his condition impacts his daily life, as he suffers with other conditions such as Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety and depression disorders.

He said: “ I am on a drug called Infliximab Infusion Treatment which I have every six to eight weeks at the DGH Eastbourne Hospital in the Infusion Unit which I get severe side effects after having treatment.

“I have trouble dealing with day-to-day life.”

Mr Oldaker’s petition now has over 3,700 signatures.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokeswoman said: “PIP is designed to take a fair account of disabilities and health conditions.

“Our trained accessors and decision makers seek to provide the very best service.

“Decisions are made following consideration of all the information provided by the claimant, including supporting evidence from their GP or medical professional.

“Anyone who is unhappy with a decision can appeal.”

The spokeswoman added: “People are not awarded PIP because of their medical condition but because of the way their impairment or health condition impacts their ability to live an independent life.”

You can find Mr Oldaker's petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/209048