Attestation by doctor is denied

Question

I am 16 years old and have CF. I will begin secondary school this autumn. I have heard that I have the right to get “färdtjänst” but my doctor does not want to write an attestation since no one in Gothenburg or Lund has “färdtjänst” to school. Is there anyone who has similar problem and how have you solved it?

Answer

Dear questioner,

“Färdtjänst” can be granted persons with such handicaps that give difficulties to move and to be transported by regular busses and trains. Patients with CF will not be granted “färdtjänst” automatically. “Färdtjänst” is granted by your municipality. The rules are rather similar between different municipaities but can differ a little. If you consider that you have such difficulties that will give you the right to get “färdtjänst”, you have to apply for it yourself to your municipality with a careful description of your difficulties. CF patients ought to point out that they are susceptible for pulmonary infections. The officer at the municipality judges out of the application and sometimes also after a personal contact if you will be granted “färdtjänst”. If the officer can not decide by himself he can demand an attestation from your doctor. Your doctor is obliged to give such an attestation to the officer. The doctor´s attestation is a very important foundation for the consideration by the municipality to find if the applicant has the right to be granted ”färdtjänst”. Thus it is very important that the attestation by the doctor carefully describes the handicaps and difficulties to move and to use general busses and trains. A denial from the municipality can be appealed.
With hope that this gives you an idea of how to get the right to “färdtjänst”.

Good luck
Hans Kollberg

13.09.2010