Thanks for the information here, my husband is unable to leave the house and we were concerned that he may be forced to do so. We have a good GP and I'm sure the surgery or my husband's cpn would vouch for him. I do wonder if these places are equipped, not just for those with physical disabilites but for those with, for example, Autism. Seperate waiting rooms, quiet areas, subdued lighting are all essential, stick my husband or kids in a waiting room full of background noise, bright lights etc and it's a guaranteed meltdown.
As Atos Medical Services are a private company and are providing a service then they come under the Disability Discrimination Act, now incorporated into the Equality Act. Service providers have to make 'reasonable adjustments' to the premises and the way they deliver their services so that disabled people can use them.
They really have no excuse, especially considering that dealing with sick and disabled people is their main objective. Regulations saying that up to 90 minutes travelling in each direction is acceptable for sick and disabled, then having to wait long periods, walking up stairs, poor facilities etc…. The question is asked yet again, when we have so called legislation to protect us, how do they keep getting away with it?
