"Rejected PATS application"

I recently applied for PATS because my doctor wanted me to go to Perth and see two specialists. I've been ill for 3 years now and I live 600kms from Perth. I believe the application went to the managing director and was rejected.

They offered to pay for some of the fare and I pay for the rest, or I can take the train which I can't due to being ill which contributes to my poor balance. The train is particularly difficult for me because the journey takes a lot longer and the seats are very uncomfortable. I also find it hard to get up and walk to the toilet while the train is moving, and so I have to hold on to the chairs and try and balance myself when walking around, which is also difficult when my body is not 100%. I also can't move around for too long and have been bed-ridden for months and haven't been able to drive due to my pain.

My doctor is concerned about my bones and considered plane travel to be the best. So they put in an application for PATS for me the day before, and I got a call the next morning to tell me no. It was deeply disappointing and concerning. I didn't quite understand the person on the phone's attitude, and I also didn't get their name.

They explained that it'll be too much because I will need a wheelchair to get onto the plane and to also convey me when I land. I explained that I have to have a PET scan to finally identify what is causing this severe inflammation through my body, resulting in not enough oxygen. I felt they decided I was not dying but I told them about my struggles to move and function because of my illness which I need to see the specialists for.

I find this very appalling.