Disabled access refused

Sorry_Susan

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?

janer1967

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

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_Scope

Hi @Sorry_Susan, just wanted to check in to see if you have heard anything back.

Sorry_Susan

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

@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

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_Scope

Hi @Sorry_Susan, just wanted to check in and see if you have heard anything.

Sorry_Susan

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_Scope

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

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