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consultation rooms
Sat, 27/09/2008 - 08:48 — Amesh Patel
i just had a thought. some consultation rooms aren't big enough to comfortably fit in people in wheelchairs (with the door closed behind them!). does this contravene some kind of Disability Discrimination Act? doesn't that mean this percentage of the population are being provided an inferior service? i think this is wrong. why didn't companies think about this when installing the rooms? it demonstrates a lack of care for all types of people who use pharmacies, and considering what we do, it's inevitable that we're going to encounter patients in wheelchairs. something needs to be done, and soon.
From Colette McCreedy, NPA
Mr Patel makes a good point about the difficulties encountered by wheelchair users. In an ideal world all pharmacies would have enough room and suitably structured premises to accommodate consultation areas fit for wheelchair access. However this is not the reality and the law provides for this.
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) advises that premises and consultation areas be modified through reasonable adjustment to provide accessibility to a disabled person. In many pharmacies, space is a limiting factor and so a consultation room would not be expected to be expanded disproportionately. However, if it is a reasonable adjustment such as widening a door, putting in a ramp etc. then this should be implemented.
The NPA has produced a guide for "Making the best use of consultation areas" which can be downloaded from the members' website. It provides advice on the best use of space as well as safety and protection issues of the public. Members unsure about the DDA can download the information leaflet which is also on the NPA's website or speak to one of the NPA's Information team.
Colette McCreedy
Director of Pharmacy Practice and Chief Pharmacist
National Pharmacy Association