Disabled access refused

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Sorry_Susan
Sorry_Susan Online Community Member Posts: 58 Contributor
edited July 2020 in Everyday life
My local pharmacy refused to take the wheelchair ramp out for my daughter to access the pharmacy. The lady said it was too heavy. I have complained to the head office a week ago but am still waiting for a response. 
Do I have a right to demand disabled access to places like GPs and pharmacies? My GP does not have access either and I complained about that 4 months ago.
What is a reasonable time to wait for a response?

Comments

  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Hi and welcome to the community I am sorry to hear about your daughters experience. 

    I too have issues with access to pharmacies so usually get somebody to pick up for me or get the pharmacy to deliver or if no other solution I go myself and wait outside and ask them to come outside to me

    I know this isnt ideal and I am not too sure about a right to demand access but feel due to the nature of the establishments you are asking about there should be some means of access.

    Unfortunately a lot of pharmacies and GPs are old buildings with structual issues preventing them providing safe access but this isnt any excuse

    I hope others can give you more guidance
  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,785 Cerebral Palsy Network
    Your daughter has every right to access pharmacies and the G.P.surgery. I would contact the head office of the pharmacy and the practice manager of the G.P. surgery again.
  • Chloe_Alumni
    Chloe_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 10,506 Championing
    Hi @Sorry_Susan, just wanted to check in to see if you have heard anything back.
  • Sorry_Susan
    Sorry_Susan Online Community Member Posts: 58 Contributor
    Nope, nothing from my GP.
    Pharmacy came back with a reasonable explanation as well as a plan to avoid a repeat insistent. 
    I followed up with GP but they said they are too busy with Covid to deal with my complaint now.
  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,785 Cerebral Palsy Network
    @Sorry_Susan that is totally unacceptable! I would call the practice manager. If you get no joy from that here is some more information what you and do.
    https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/how-to-complain-if-youre-unhappy-with-your-gp-or-gp-surgery
  • Sorry_Susan
    Sorry_Susan Online Community Member Posts: 58 Contributor
    Already tried that at the end of March. The surgery reckons that it is not a priority as Covid is placing so.much strain on them.
    I don't want to go all gung-ho, but am a bit fed up. 
    I loved a complaint to the office manager a month ago. He is now on annual leave and I am waiting.
  • Chloe_Alumni
    Chloe_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 10,506 Championing
    Hi @Sorry_Susan, just wanted to check in and see if you have heard anything.
  • Sorry_Susan
    Sorry_Susan Online Community Member Posts: 58 Contributor
    They came back with a lacklustre excuse after I contacted the senior partner. 
    I need to keep fighting but am soooo exhausted.
    Left a message for Healthwatch to contact me two days ago.
    Guess they are very busy as well.
  • Chloe_Alumni
    Chloe_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 10,506 Championing
    I really hope this gets resolved @Sorry_Susan! It's really not acceptable. I'm just sorry you are having to fight for something which should just be a given. 
  • Curt
    Curt Online Community Member Posts: 8 Listener
    edited December 2022
    I hope this helps anyone reading this . I believe under the Equality Act - service providers have to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people by removing barriers that could stop individuals from accessing and using goods and services

     - https://www.rapidramp.co.uk/product-news/what-does-dda-stand-for
    -https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents


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