Disabled Darren says doc’s action left him without a licence

Darren Bush, of Kimberworth Park, said he felt like he was “back in the pandemic” after being stripped of his licence.

The 57-year-old claimed his doctor had wrongly filled out a health questionnaire for the DVLA saying he was “alcohol dependent”, without consulting him.

Mr Bush, who suffers from COPD, depression, anxiety and mobility issues — as a result of previous injuries to his wrist and legs — said he had undergone a detox programme in 2017 and been put on medication.

“Twelve months after the detox — to prove I wasn’t alcohol dependent — I went to the DVLA medical centre in 2018 and got my licence back for 12 months,” he said.

Mr Bush said he had filled out the forms as usual for this year’s renewal last October.

“In November, I went out with a few friends to remember another friend who had passed away,” he said.

“I only had a couple of pints and had soft drinks in between those which I do when I have a drink on rare, special occasions.”

Mr Bush said the partner of one of his daughters had dropped him at home but a little later, a relative had called to say he was having a strange episode.

“I must have been spiked,” said Mr Bush. “I was talking funny and did not feel right. I had a funny turn.”

Paramedics arrived and one of Mr Bush’s three daughters travelled with him to hospital, where she said the policeman on duty agreed it was a spiking incident.

He was also said to be the second person that night to be admitted through being spiked, but had been “completely back to himself” within a day of being home.

The following day, a mental health worker called to discuss Mr Bush’s health and it was agreed his mental state was “not worrying”, although there was concern his anti-depressants were less effective than they had been.

Woodstock Bower surgery were informed of the medication change and the spiking incident — but Mr Bush claims his doctor filled in the medical questionnaire for the DVLA incorrectly, without contacting him directly with any concerns about his wellbeing or referring him for alcohol testing.

The doctor reported Mr Bush had “regular” hallucinations and was alcohol dependant, and the questionnaire responses led to his licence being withdrawn.  

“I saved up for my mobility van and I often drive my daughter about,” said Mr Bush.

“Now I am stuck in the house.

“I’ve had my independence taken away from me. It’s like being back in the pandemic.”

A spokesperson for Woodstock Bower surgery, on Kimberworth Road, declined to comment “due to doctor/patient confidentiality”.

A DVLA spokesperson also said they could not comment on specific cases but if a doctor had inadvertently provided incorrect information to the DVLA, they should contact the agency to correct it as soon as possible.